DETROIT — When Trei Cruz stepped on the field Friday for his major-league debut with the Detroit Tigers, it was a dream 27 years in the making. For his family, it was a reality that came to fruition after three generations of hard work and sacrifice. It was also a reminder that we’re all products of those who came before us.Cruz had 20 friends and family members at Comerica Park. Among them were his father, José Cruz Jr., and grandfather, José Cruz. Between them, they have more than 30 years of service in the major leagues. Trei’s debut made this family only the fifth in history to have a grandfather, son and grandson all play in the majors. The only other families to do it are known as baseball royalty: the Boones, the Bells, the Colemans and the Hairstons.On Father’s Day weekend, the three generations gathered in Detroit. A member of the Cruz family has played in the major leagues during 31 of the past 57 seasons. And from the occasion, an old story emerged.None of this would have been possible if not for a dream the elder José Cruz pursued long ago.“Man,” Trei said the morning after his debut, “without him, there is no baseball in the Cruz family.”
Third-generation Bigg Leaguer pic.twitter.com/C2Ftxt01cD
