Spanish Language Broadcaster Luis “Cochito” Cruz has unique perspective on Dodgers-Yankees Rivalry

LOS ANGELES — When the Dodgers and Yankees meet, it’s always something special. For Luis “Cochito” Cruz, the weekend series between baseball’s two most iconic franchises hit even closer to home. The former big leaguer, now a member of the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast team, played for both clubs during his career—suiting up for the Dodgers in 2012 and the Yankees in 2013—and he recently shared his unique perspective on what it meant to wear both jerseys.

“It was a big change,” Cruz recalled of his midseason move in 2013. “I came from being one of the fan favorites in 2012 [with the Dodgers] to getting put on waivers, and then I signed with the Yankees. I was sad—I didn’t want to leave L.A.—but the opportunity opened up with the Yankees because [Derek] Jeter and the other shortstop were hurt.”

The shift was not only emotional, but also a professional challenge. “It’s tough to play for the Yankees,” he admitted. “It’s tough to play in front of that crowd.” In his first game at Yankee Stadium, fans chanted “We want Jeter!” as Cruz took the field. “I wanted him to play too,” Cruz said with a laugh. “But it was my opportunity.”

Despite the initial awkwardness, Cruz took pride in joining such a prestigious franchise. “As a Mexican player, it made me feel proud. Only about five of us have played for both the Dodgers and the Yankees, so it’s big for my résumé and my career.”

But when it came to the passion of the fans, Cruz saw a clear difference. “In L.A., they supported me from day one—even when I was struggling. The fans were always rooting for me,” he said. “With the Yankees, it was a different time. The team was dealing with a lot of injuries, so the energy at the stadium wasn’t always there—except when we played the Red Sox. That felt like a real rivalry.”

Cruz also reflected on those who helped shape his journey. “Dave Hansen, my hitting coach with the Dodgers in 2012, gave me the confidence to perform,” he said. “Manny Mota helped me a lot in spring training. And of course, Don Mattingly gave me the opportunity to play every day.”

In New York, even during a brief two-month stint, Cruz was struck by the humility of Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter. “Mariano always got all the Latin guys together for chapel on Sundays,” he said. “And Jeter was always open to answering our questions. Those two guys are going to be Hall of Famers. It meant a lot to be around them and learn from them.”

Now that he’s back with the Dodgers—but this time in the broadcast booth—Cruz is soaking in every moment. “It feels even bigger now that I see it from the outside,” he said. “Playing for both the Dodgers and the Yankees in the same year was huge, and being able to share that experience with fans now means a lot to me. But I feel even better being back with the Dodgers, even in the booth. I still feel like I’m part of the team.”

That passion was on full display during the Dodgers-Yankees series. “When Judge hit a homer in the first game and then Ohtani answered with one of his own—it was amazing,” Cruz said, laughing. “They told me to lower my voice in the booth because I was so excited. I didn’t want to miss this series. Getting to call games with maybe the top two players in the world—Judge and Ohtani—and breaking down how to pitch to them, how they approach the game, it’s an honor.”

As 52,000+ packed into Dodger Stadium this weekend, Cruz felt the energy just like he did as a player. “Calling these games is a privilege. I still get excited when we score a run—I celebrate in the booth. I only retired a few months ago, and it still feels fresh.”

From fan favorite on the field to a beloved voice in the booth, Luis “Cochito” Cruz continues to represent the Dodgers with pride—and heart.

Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!