The Dominican Republic Baseball Federation (FEDOBE) has announced that former Major League Baseball superstar Nelson Cruz will serve as the country's National Team general manager for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
"The fact Nelson Cruz accepted our offer makes me proud and honoured," commented FEDOBE President Juan Núñez Nepomuceno. "He is a gentleman, a man of great discipline and a fan favourite. He is also well respected by MLB and its players' Association (MLBPA)."
Cruz, 42, is a seven-time All-Star. He appeared in 1,966 MLB games for seven organizations. He has 467 career home runs and a .275 career batting average.
"I understand that there will be a lot of talk about the fact an active player serves as general manager for the first time in the history of the World Baseball Classic," said Cruz during a press conference. "I'd like to inform you that I'm ready for that. I'm a man who likes challenges. I'm honoured to accept the appointment, considering what the World Baseball Classic means to Dominican people."
The Dominican Republic is one of three countries to have won the World Baseball Classic, along with Japan and the United States.
