I can remember being something like four or five years old, and playing whiffle ball in the backyard with my dad. A lot of people when they played sports as children, used to pretend to be the athletes they looked up to. I can remember wanting nothing more than to be like Seattle Mariners infielder Julio Cruz.
Seeing as how that was around 25 years ago, I don't really remember much other than liking how he played the game. He had so much fun playing baseball, that it was impossible not to root for him. He always had a smile on his face, and a genuine love for the game.
I have had other favorite ball players over the years. Some still have a place in my heart, some have moved on. Through all of this I have gone from an admirer of the game of baseball, to a fan most devout. I love this game above all the rest, and I owe it all to Julio Cruz.
Thank you.
