Padres News: Nelson Cruz Does Something That Hasn’t Been Done in Nearly 40 Years

Cruz celebrated his birthday with two hits and a much-needed Padres win.

Padres designated hitter Nelson Cruz turned 43 on Saturday and brought in his birthday with a two-hit performance en route to a timely win for San Diego.

Cruz became the oldest player to have a multi-hit game on his birthday since Pete Rose turned 43 back in 1984. At the top of the second, Cruz smacked a line drive past second base to record his first hit of the day. 

Nelson Cruz (age 43) is the oldest player with a hit on his birthday since Barry Bonds (43) on July 24, 2007. Cruz is the oldest player with 2+ hits on his birthday since Pete Rose (43) on April 14, 1984.

— Alex Mayer (@alexmayer34) July 1, 2023

The Padres won 12-5, breaking a six-game losing streak that saw many players and fans alike air their frustrations. Cruz's two hits were part of a 10-hit, 12-run performance by the Padre offense, which had been struggling to make contact as of late.

In his 19th season in the MLB and first on the Padres, Cruz is averaging .254/.293/.413 from the plate, with 5 home runs in 47 games. Cruz returned from a right-hamstring strain suffered earlier in the season, and at 43 is likely nearing the end of his Hall-of-Fame-worthy career.

On his 43rd birthday, Nelson Cruz collects a hit!

He is the first player 43 or older to get a base knock since Ichiro. pic.twitter.com/WQYwhA6Tmp

— MLB (@MLB) July 1, 2023

Cruz is a seven-time All-Star and a four-time Silver Slugger award-winner.

As the All-Star break approaches and the Padres have to decide whether to be buyers or sellers, a few more two-hit performances from Cruz would certainly help San Diego recover from a harrowing losing streak.

The Padres will suit up Sunday against the Reds in the final game of the series at 10:40 a.m. PDT.