Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES — The energy of Opening Weekend at Dodger Stadium is always special, but for former infielder Luis “Cochito” Cruz, this year has been unforgettable — and not just because of the Dodgers’ thrilling comeback win in extra innings. Cruz, who recently joined the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast team alongside Pepe Yñiguez and José Mota, is experiencing the magic of Chavez Ravine in a whole new way.
“It’s been incredible,” Cruz said with a big smile. “They make a little fun of me because I see a play happen and then I start tapping Pepe and José like I’m still in the dugout.”
Though it’s a different kind of role, Cruz’s passion for the game hasn’t changed one bit. As he watches the Dodgers storm back for wins — like the electric 10th-inning rally the night before — he’s still reacting like a player in the middle of the action.
“I still get excited. Like I say, I was playing about three months ago, and I’m adapting to all this,” Cruz said. “Pepe and José have been doing a great job helping me out, and this is just incredible. First four games — wow.”
Cruz joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in late 2011 on a minor league deal and quickly made a name for himself the following year. After starting the 2012 season with Triple-A Albuquerque, where he earned a spot on the Pacific Coast League All-Star team, Cruz was called up midseason due to an injury to Dee Gordon. He immediately made an impact, stealing home in one of his first games and belting his first big league home run off Johan Santana.
Cruz became a fan favorite for his hustle and clutch hitting, finishing the season with a .297 batting average, six home runs, and 40 RBIs over 78 games. Fans at Dodger Stadium routinely chanted “Cruuuuuz” during his at-bats, and his jersey even became a top seller at the team store. Though he opened 2013 as the team’s starting third baseman, struggles at the plate led to a reduced role. After hitting just .127 over 45 games, the Dodgers designated him for assignment in June, and he became a free agent shortly after. Despite the brief run, Cruz’s 2012 season remains a memorable underdog story in recent Dodgers history.
Cruz, now 40, is no stranger to Opening Day festivities, but this time around, he’s soaking it all in from the broadcast booth instead of third base. With the Dodgers’ World Series ring ceremony, banner unveiling, and packed crowds lighting up Dodger Stadium, Cruz says it’s been emotional to witness the pageantry from this new perspective.
“I got to see all the big guys and everybody do their jobs, come back from behind… it’s been amazing.”
When asked which Opening Day stood out most in his playing career, Cruz didn’t hesitate: 2013.
“I think the 2013 Opening Day when [Clayton] Kershaw hit a homer and we ended up winning that game 1-0 against the Giants — it was here,” he recalled. “That was my best Opening Day I had in the big leagues.”
Cruz was manning third base that afternoon and remembers the energy of the crowd and the heroics of his then-teammate like it was yesterday.
“I was playing third, yeah. It was one of my favorite moments, and being a part of that game… it was unbelievable. It’s going to live with me the rest of my life.”
As Cruz settles into his role with the Spanish-language broadcast team, it’s clear he brings the same energy and enthusiasm to the booth that he once brought to the field. Dodgers fans tuning in can expect insight, excitement, and a deep love for the game — all delivered with Cochito’s trademark passion.
Welcome back to Dodger Stadium, Cochito — this time with a headset instead of a glove.
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