Oneil Cruz, the exciting shortstop and center fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has wowed baseball fans with his impressive power and presence on the field.
Cruz, known for hitting the ball harder than almost anyone in the game, made headlines at the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby on July 14, where he launched a record-tying 513-foot home run—the longest ever in a non-Coors Field Derby.
With his Donkey Kong-themed bat and raw athleticism, Cruz is a force to be reckoned with.
However, behind his meteoric rise lies a story deeply tied to his family, particularly that of Oneil Cruz’s parents, and his Dominican heritage.
Cruz’s Name Was Inspired By A Yankees Legend
Oneil Cruz was born on October 4, 1998, in Nizao, Dominican Republic, to Rafael Cruz and his wife, whose name remains private.
Rafael, a former minor league baseball player, played a key role in shaping Oneil’s love for the game.
A passionate sports enthusiast and die-hard New York Yankees fan, Rafael spent parts of three seasons in the Texas Rangers’ organization during the mid-1980s.
His favorite player at the time? None other than Paul O’Neil, the fiery outfielder who would later become a Yankees legend.
When Rafael’s son was born in 1998—the year the Yankees swept the San Diego Padres to win their third straight World Series—he knew exactly what to name him.
Oneil, however, grew up hearing a different assumption. Cruz once shared:
“In my hometown, ever since I was a child, everyone thought my name came from Shaquille O’Neal, I’d have to correct them and say, ‘No, it’s another guy, my dad’s favorite ballplayer.’ I still need to dig into the full story!”
Via Yahoo
While much of the spotlight falls on Rafael Cruz, Oneil Cruz’s parents both played crucial roles in his journey.
Rafael, a retired minor leaguer, introduced Oneil to baseball early on, fostering his passion and teaching him the fundamentals.
Growing up in Nizao, a small town known for producing baseball talent, Oneil was surrounded by the sport.
Rafael’s experience in the minors gave him unique insight, helping guide Oneil through the challenges of pursuing a professional career.
Details about Oneil’s mother are insufficient, as she has stayed out of the public eye.
However, her quiet support likely provided the stability Oneil needed to chase his dreams.
Together, his parents created an environment where Oneil and his younger brother, Homer Cruz, could thrive in baseball.
Homer, like Oneil, has followed in their father’s footsteps and is currently carving out his own path as a minor league player.
Oneil’s Journey To The Majors Started In Nizao, Where Baseball Is A Way of Life
The Dominican Republic has long been a hotbed for MLB talent, producing stars like Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and David Ortiz.
Oneil’s raw talent stood out early, and in July 2015, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an international free agent, marking the start of his professional career at just 16 years old.
Two years later, in July 2017, the Dodgers traded Cruz and pitcher Angel German to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for reliever Tony Watson.
The move proved to be a turning point for Cruz, who quickly rose through the Pirates’ minor league system, showcasing his rare combination of speed, power, and arm strength.
Standing at 6’7”, Cruz is one of the tallest shortstops in MLB history, and his ability to play both shortstop and center field makes him a unique asset.
Cruz’s performance at the 2025 Home Run Derby was nothing short of spectacular.
THINGS ARE GETTING OUT OF HAND 🤯
— MLB (@MLB) July 15, 2025
ONEIL CRUZ HITS THIS BASEBALL 513 FEET and 118 MPH 🚀 pic.twitter.com/2mtVUCSyEn
Swinging a custom Donkey Kong-themed bat, he smashed 21 home runs in the first round, including a 513-foot moonshot that tied the record for the longest in Derby history outside of Coors Field.
Fans and analysts alike were in awe of his raw power, which has become his calling card.
Although he was eliminated in the semifinals by Cal Raleigh, who went on to win the event, Cruz’s performance put the baseball world’s best.
Despite his Derby heroics, Cruz’s 2025 season has had its ups and downs.
With a batting average of .212 and 16 home runs, he’s shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency at the plate.
Still, his elite power and versatility keep him in the conversation as one of baseball’s most exciting young players.
Trade rumors have swirled around Cruz, with teams eyeing his potential, but the Pirates reportedly want to hold onto their star, believing he’s a cornerstone for their future.
Growing up, Oneil and Homer likely spent countless hours practicing together, dreaming of the big leagues.
For Rafael, watching his sons pursue the same sport he once played must be a source of immense pride.
While Oneil Cruz’s parents may not be in the headlines, their support and sacrifices laid the foundation for his success.
As A Native Of The Dominican Republic, Oneil Cruz Is Proudly Afro-Latino
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Oneil Cruz takes pride in his Afro-Latino heritage, a heritage shared by many of baseball’s greatest players.
The Dominican Republic’s vibrant baseball culture, combined with his family’s passion for the sport, shaped Oneil into the player he is today.
From the dusty fields of Nizao to the bright lights of PNC Park, Cruz carries his roots with him, representing his hometown and his country with every swing.
At just 27 years old, Oneil Cruz is still writing his story.
His rare combination of size, speed, and power makes him a player to watch, and his 2025 Home Run Derby performance proved he can compete with the best.
While trade rumors persist, the Pirates see him as a key part of their future, and fans are eager to see how he’ll develop in the years to come.
Behind every swing of his Donkey Kong bat is a story of family, heritage, and hard work. Oneil Cruz’s parents, Rafael and his wife, gave him the tools to succeed, from a name inspired by a Yankees legend to a love for the game that burns bright.
As Cruz continues to light up the baseball world, he carries Nizao, his family, and the Dominican Republic with him every step of the way.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Cruz was involved in a deadly vehicle crash in the Dominican Republic in which three people were killed.
- Cruz is unusually tall for a shortstop. He is listed as 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) and 215 pounds (98 kg).
