SEAN CRUZ SIGNS PRO CONTRACT IN JAPAN

By Patrick Lujan

Local baseball trailblazer Sean Cruz is keeping his baseball career alive after signing with Japanese pro team Saga Asia Dreams of the Kyushu Asia League.

Still in his baseball prime, the 32-year-old did his homework on the young league, put together a solid tryout this past winter and got an offer.

“I put in the work for it and performed pretty well, and ended up getting a contract offer out of it.”

A veteran of three pro independent leagues stateside, Cruz looks forward to putting his skills to the test in the land where the sport ranks #1 in the world.

“Baseball in Asia, they are trained differently, but at the same time, their drive and amount of focus and intensity that a lot of those baseball players have been groomed with, have helped them excel over the years. We have some of the best baseball in the world right next door. I’ve always been a student with the opportunity to learn and never stopped learning.”

Cruz, who has been representing Guam in international competition since his youth years, will primarily be a starting pitcher, dabbling with the hot spot at 3rd base, if called upon.

“I’m taking it with an open mind and appreciating that I can still be a part of it. I’m extremely excited for the opportunity. All I can do is have fun and compete at my best. I’m very excited to go and compete in Japan.”

He heads to Japan this week to sign his contract and get ready for the season to start in early April.

THE LOCAL CHALLENGE

With no consistent adult league on Guam for the better part of the last decade, staying in top form makes it that more difficult for athletes like Cruz who has the talent, but lacks the competition to stay sharp.

“It’s definitely more difficult (to stay sharp), especially a sport like baseball, where you play more frequently can only benefit you, especially when you pursue it at a higher level. The lack of baseball has been tough, but as far as trying to keep a competitive edge, I try to reach out to a few of the local players to try and get some extra work in.”

As for keeping in tip-top shape, Cruz credits his background in Exercise Science as well as studying under great coaches.

POST PLAYING CAREER

Cruz knows his playing career isn’t going to last forever. He does see himself staying close to the game with hopes of improving baseball on Guam.

He said he and a group of guys “want to rebuild or help develop Guam baseball and Guam softball. Recently, over the years, we haven’t performed to the best of our abilities. After my playing career is finished, that is something I really want to pursue.”