Cruz went five innings in this April 1990 game for the AA Chicks, giving up four hits, three walks and a single run, sending Memphis on to a 5-3 win, The Orlando Sentinel wrote.
Cruz was pitching for Memphis, having just started his affiliated career. He went on to play just two seasons in the Royals system, but he played several more in his native Mexico.
Born in 1964 in Mexico, Cruz' professional career began by 1988, playing for the Yucatan Lions, of the Mexican League.
By 1990, Cruz' Yucatan team had an agreement with the Royals, the Royals purchasing three contracts from Yucatan. Among those contracts was that of Cruz, according to the 1997 book International Sports Law and Business, Volume 2.
With the Royals, Cruz was assigned to AA Memphis. There, Cruz got 28 starts, going 8-12. He also posted an ERA of 3.67. In September, Cruz was on the mound as starter in the league championship-clinching game, a 5-3 Memphis victory.
Cruz returned to Memphis for 1991. This time, though, he got into just 11 games, starting nine. He went 1-7, with an ERA of 6.85. It was his final year in affiliated ball.
Soon, Cruz was back with Yucatan, finishing out 1991 there and returning for 1992. He played 1993 with Union Laguna, then was back at Yucatan for 1994 and 1995. His 1995 campaign with Yucatan was his last recorded as a pro.
- Orlando Sentinel, April 10, 1990: Chicks Spoil Gilbert's Effort
- International Sports Law and Business, Volume 2, 1997, Aaron N. Wise, Bruce S. Meyer: Page 934
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