2026 MABL/MSBL Player of the Week: Miño Cruz, Tri State MSBL
Submitted by Jack Kapenstein, Attending Bases Umpire
Miño Cruz is 82 years old. On June 20th, Miño stepped up to pitch for the 55-and-over Rocks of the Tri State League, based around the Philadelphia area. The two regular pitchers were not available, so his number was called. The Rocks have unfortunately struggled this year and sit at the bottom of the eight-team division.
However, that isn’t the story. Miño has been playing baseball for over 70 years and is in remarkable physical condition. He took the ball when he was needed, no excuses, no hesitation.
The game was played against the ASBA All Stars, the top team in the division. As anticipated, the game was lopsided; Miño was hit hard at times, and there were many misplays, as the Rocks were very short-handed.
But Miño pitched the whole game. He’s coming off two knee surgeries in recent years and still plays tournament ball in Florida and multiple leagues in the Philly area. Miño is an inspiration to us all.