Oneil Cruz has distinguished himself in Major League Baseball not only through his exceptional skills but also by his imposing physical presence. Standing 6-foot-7, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ shortstop ranks among the tallest players in MLB history to occupy a position player role. His size combined with prodigious power off the bat enables him to hit extraordinary home runs, capturing the attention of fans and rattling pitchers alike. Cruz’s ability to consistently drive the ball with force has earned him recognition for hitting some of the hardest balls in the league, making him a formidable opponent during each at-bat.
The Personal Story Behind Cruz’s Name
Beyond his athletic prowess, Oneil Cruz carries a name deeply connected to baseball history. His first name is a tribute inspired by his father, Rafael, a passionate New York Yankees fan who once played in the minor leagues. Rafael’s admiration for baseball reached a peak during the Yankees’ dominant 1998 season when they clinched their third consecutive World Series title. One standout player from that championship team was Paul O’Neill, who, at 35 years old, delivered an impressive .317 batting average with 24 home runs and 116 RBIs, while also excelling defensively with 11 total zone fielding runs.
This reverence for O’Neill motivated Rafael to name his son Oneil, intending to honor the former outfielder’s impact on the game. What started as a heartfelt homage eventually aligned with the young player’s promising career trajectory.
“In my hometown, ever since I was a child, everyone used to assume my name came from Shaquille O’Neal,”
—Oneil Cruz
“I’d have to correct them and say, ‘No, it’s another guy, my dad’s favorite ballplayer.’ To this day, I haven’t really dug in to find out, but I need to get the full story.”
—Oneil Cruz
Connecting Generations Through a Memorable Encounter
In a striking twist of fate, Oneil Cruz had the chance to connect personally with Paul O’Neill during a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees in 2022. Although O’Neill was unable to attend in person, he reached out to Cruz by sending a signed jersey and arranging a FaceTime call. This interaction exemplified the mutual respect and admiration shared between the two players, separated by generations but united by baseball.
Two years later, Cruz and O’Neill finally met face-to-face, sharing a moment filled with excitement and warmth. Expressing his feelings after their meeting, Cruz said,
“It’s my pleasure to finally meet him.”
—Oneil Cruz
This meeting symbolized a meaningful connection between a rising star and a baseball great, with Cruz embracing the motivation to forge his own path while honoring the legacy that inspired his name.
The Growing Legacy of Oneil Cruz in Baseball
As Cruz continues to grow in the majors, he represents not only his father’s admiration for Paul O’Neill but also the evolution of what it means to be a modern baseball player. His towering frame, combined with his dynamic talent and powerful hitting, promises to leave a lasting mark on the sport. Cruz’s journey reflects determination and reflective hope, signaling a new era where his name will join the ranks of baseball’s revered figures.
With record-breaking displays of power and an unyielding spirit, Oneil Cruz’s career is poised to inspire fans and shape the future of the game, all while paying tribute to the legacy of Paul O’Neill through both name and performance.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What surgery did Oneil Cruz have?
A. Greg Altman and Dr. Darren Frank treated Cruz’s broken left fibula and fixed an injury to the syndesmosis. This joint, located near the ankle, is held by ligaments. Manager Derek Shelton felt relieved that the damage was only in the ankle area and not elsewhere in the left leg.
Q. What was Oneil Cruz’s injury?
A. Cruz is going to the injured list because of a fracture in his right foot. This season has already seen limited play for Oneil Cruz. Currently ranked as MLB.com’s 91st prospect, he is sidelined due to an injury he got while playing for Class A Advanced Bradenton on Saturday evening.