Tommy de la Cruz

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Tomas (Rivero) de la Cruz (September 18, 1911 - September 6, 1958) was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Cincinnati Reds in 1944. The 32-year-old rookie was a native of Marianao, Cuba.

de la Cruz is one of many ballplayers who only appeared in the major leagues during World War II. He was a very effective pitcher for the Reds in his one big league season. His major league debut was on April 20, 1944, which was the third game on the schedule. He was the starting pitcher and winner in a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Crosley Field.

He was a versatile hurler for Cincinnati, as he completed 9 of 20 starts and appeared 14 times in relief. As a reliever he finished ten games and saved one other. For the year he was 9-9 with a 3.25 earned run average, and finished in the league's TOP TEN in four important pitching categories, including WHIP (1.124). He was also a good fielder, committing just one error the entire season.

de la Cruz passed away at the age of 46 in Havana, Cuba.

[edit] Trivia

Five other players made their major league debut the same day as de la Cruz...Mike Kosman, John McGillen, Barney Mussill, Charley Schanz, and Al Verdel.