By Ricardo Lopez Juarez
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced this Wednesday that Luis Alfonso Cruz, a long-time Mexican player who wore the team’s jersey, will be the new analyst on the Spanish broadcasts after the death of Fernando Valenzuela.
“Cochito” Cruz, 40, will join Pepe Yñiguez and José Mota on Dodger radio broadcasts on KTNQ 1020 AM in Los Angeles and the Dodger Latino Media Network. The announcement was made just three weeks after the death of Valenzuela, who worked as an analyst for the Dodgers for 21 years. after his long and legendary career as a pitcher.
“We are thrilled to welcome Luis to our broadcast team,” Lon Rosen, Dodgers executive vice president and chief marketing officer, said in a statement. “Luis’ passion and knowledge of the game make him the perfect person for this role. During his time with the Dodgers, he quickly won over fans, and we look forward to his energy and the knowledge he will bring to the booth.”
Valenzuela died at the age of 63 a few days before the Dodgers played in the World Series, which they won against the NY Yankees. “El Toro” had left radio broadcasts shortly before the end of the regular season.
On Tuesday it was learned that Valenzuela died as a result of liver problems, according to the information contained in the death certificate of the great Mexican idol.
Luis Alfonso Cruz, a life dedicated to baseball
Luis Alfonso Cruz, born in Navojoa – very close to Etchohuaquila, Valenzuela’s homeland -, will begin working as an analyst for the Dodgers in 2025.
The man popularly known as “Cochito” among Mexican fans made his professional debut in 2001 after signing with the Boston Red Sox. He played five seasons in the Major Leagues (2008-10, 2012-13).
Cruz wore a Dodgers uniform in 2012, when he hit .297 in 78 games, with 6 home runs and 40 RBIs. He returned to the Dodgers in 2013, before moving to the Yankees that same year. He also played with Pittsburgh and Milwaukee.
The third baseman was part of the Mexico team in multiple editions of the World Baseball Classic. Cruz is still active in the Mexican Pacific League with the Navojoa Mayos, batting .288 in 64 plate appearances.
“I am very excited for this opportunity,” Cruz said in the statement. “There’s a saying: Once a Dodger, always a Dodger. Starting in 2012, when I played here, the fans hugged me and made me feel very comfortable.”
Keep reading:
– Los Angeles said goodbye to Fernando Valenzuela with mass in the cathedral
– “Happy Birthday, Fernando”: the Dodgers celebrated their championship with honors to Valenzuela
– The Dodgers’ dedication to Jaime Jarrín after his retirement as the team’s Spanish voice