The Minnesota Twins’ Nelson Cruz, a Dominican Republic native, became a naturalized U.S. citizen last October.
Cruz proudly shared the news in an Instagram post in which he held a U.S. flag along with his citizenship document while stylishly dressed and sporting stars and stripes shoes.
Cruz’s baseball journey is a particular version of the immigrant’s American Dream. The opportunity to migrate to this country and make a better life is one many Latinos have pursued. Professional baseball has provided the work opportunity for Cruz and countless others to pursue that dream.
As a U.S. citizen, he plans to continue giving back.
“Even without being a citizen I found it important to give back wherever I was because improving our surroundings and offering opportunities benefits everybody. We can only strive to get better, and I try to do my part,” Cruz said.
Read CRUZ GAINS NEW APPRECIATION FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY by Adrian Burgos, Jr.
Publisher’s Note: CTLN and La Vida Baseball are partners in providing users with the best baseball coverage of where the sport and Hispanic, Latino culture intersect.