Luis Cruz joins Dodgers' Spanish-language broadcast team
Yesterday at 03:24 PM
Former Dodgers infielder comes back to Los Angeles as part of the broadcast team with Pepe Yñiquez and José Mota.
Former Dodgers infielder Luis Cruz was hired by the team on Wednesday to join the Spanish-language radio broadcasts as an analyst. He'll be on the brodcasts along with Pepe Yñiguez and José Mota on KTNQ 1020 AM and the Dodgers Latino Media Network.
Cruz played parts of five seasons in the majors, including 2012-13 with the Dodgers, including hitting a career-best .297/.322/.431 with a 107 wRC+ and 20 doubles in 78 games in 2012 while splitting time between third base and shortstop.
He played with then-teammate Adrían González for Mexico in the 2013 World Baseball Classic as well.
After his time in the majors, Cruz played for Chiba Lotte, Yomiuri, and Rakuten from 2014-17 in Japan, then played in the Mexican League through 2023. The 40-year-old played for Navaojoa in the Mexican Winter League as recently as this offseason, totaling 24 years of playing professional baseball.
"I'm very excited about this opportunity," Cruz said Wednesday. "There's a saying, 'Once you're a Dodger, you're always a Dodger.' Starting in 2012 when I played here, the fans embraced me and made me feel really comfortable. Now, to be a part of the Dodger organization again and be with Pepe and José, I look forward to giving my all to make our broadcasts the best they can be."
Cruz has big shoes to fill, as Fernando Valenzuela called games for the last 22 seasons before his death in October.
"Luis' passion and knowledge of the game make him a natural fit for this role," Dodgers executive vice president and chief marketing officer Lon Rosen said in a statement. "During his time with the Dodgers, he quickly won fans over, and we look forward to the energy and insights he'll bring to the booth."
In addition to KTNQ 1020 AM in Los Angeles, the Dodgers' Spanish-language broadcasts can be heard on several radio stations, including KCAL 1410 in Riverside and San Bernardino, KOXR 910 AM in Oxnard, KLLE 107.9 FM in Fresno, and KISF 103.5 FM in Las Vegas.
