Padres News: Nelson Cruz's Historic Saturday Performance Didn't Surprise Star Teammate

It is nothing new.

There was something in the air in Mexico City when your San Diego Padres took on a division rival in the San Fransisco Giants and were able to come out on top 16-11. 11 home runs were totaled between both teams and so many fans got a chance at catching a ball hit by the many stars that took their home field.

We finally got to see the likes of Manny Machado and Juan Soto have fun stepping up to the plate again this season as they have been taking a lot of heat for the Padres' struggles. They both went deep along with returning star Fernando Tatis Jr., new stud Xander Bogaerts and one other person as well.

At 42-years-old, there are very few parks that Nelson Cruz has not hit a home run at and it just so happened that Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu stadium was one of them. He was able to make history when he changed that by being the fifth batter to launch a homer on Saturday and he actually beat the rest of the Friars to the punch.

Nelson Cruz blasts one into the bullpen!@Padres | #BringTheGold pic.twitter.com/xELULOqwcy

— Bally Sports San Diego (@BallySportsSD) April 29, 2023

At 42 years, 302 days old, Nelson Cruz just became the oldest Padre to hit a home run, passing Rickey Henderson. Cruz did so by homering in his 28th different ballpark, becoming the first Padre to homer in Mexico City.

It's 4-2 SD in the third.

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) April 29, 2023

"At 42 years, 302 days old, Nelson Cruz just became the oldest Padre to hit a home run, passing Rickey Henderson. Cruz did so by homering in his 28th different ballpark, becoming the first Padre to homer in Mexico City."

(Via AJ Cassavell)

To think that he is still producing at his age with all of the mileage his body is truly incredible. He is the second-oldest active player in the MLB right now and this adds to his big days of highlights so far this season.

Despite many fans being shocked from this performance, star teammate Tatis believes he is just bearing the fruits of his hard work.

"I'm not surprised at all," said Tatis. I mean, this guy has been hitting for how many years? It's not a surprise at all, I'm glad he's so good for us. Let's keep rolling."

(Via Marty Caswell)

Considering that Nando is just 24-years-old and facing a lot of controversy in his first few weeks back, having an esteemed veteran like Cruz goes a long way.