When Dominican fans went wild with Nelson Cruz's incredible moonshot at the 2017 World Baseball Classic

In the 2017 World Baseball Classic, San Diego Padres designated hitter and right fielder Nelson Cruz thrilled Dominican fans with an incredible moonshot and led his home country to a 7-5 win over Team USA. It wasn't just DR fans who were celebrating Cruz's dinger. Nelson was equally overwhelmed to get the opportunity to give the fans a memorable experience.

“It was crazy, it was loud, the fans they never give up," said Nelson rejoicing the stellar home run. "They deserve it. We (Dominicans) love baseball. We breathe baseball 24/7. We have so much talent, it’s unbelievable. It was nice to get it done today."

"03/11/2017: The day Nelson Cruz shook the foundations of the Marlins stadium." - Pinceladas del Clasico Mundial

Nelson made his MLB debut with the Milwaukee Brewers on Sept. 17, 2005. In 17 years of his career, he has played with:

• Milwaukee Brewers (2005)
• Texas Rangers (2006–2013)
• Baltimore Orioles (2014)
• Seattle Mariners (2015–2018)
• Minnesota Twins (2019–2021)
• Tampa Bay Rays (2021)
• Washington Nationals (2022)

Padres' Nelson Cruz is now the first player/General Manager to hit a home run

Kyle Seager #15 of the Seattle Mariners gets a hug from Nelson Cruz #23 after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Safeco Field on July 24, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)

Cruz, a designated hitter and right fielder with the San Diego Padres, became the general manager of the Dominican Republic in July 2022.

In an exhibition game between the DR and the Braves on Wednesday, Nelson became the first player and general manager to smash a home run.

"Nelson- the GM of Team Dominican Republic - goes yard." - Sportsbook Review

The Dominican Republic is now the WBC fan favorite to win the trophy, backed by flamethrowers like Jeremy Pena and Manny Machado, among others.