Nelson Cruz’s father, Nelson Cruz Sr., played professional baseball in the Dominican Republic.
Nelson Ramon Cruz Martinez Jr is a Dominican-American former professional baseball designated hitter and right fielder who played in MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, and many more teams.
Recently, Nelson Cruz confirmed that his sister, Nelsy Cruz, was among those who died when a nightclub in the Dominican Republic’s roof collapsed on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Nelson took to his official Instagram story and wrote,
“With profound pain, the Cruz Martínez family informs the passing of our beloved sister, mother, daughter, aunt and friend: Nelsy M. Cruz Martínez who in her life moved with dedication, commitment and love for her people and community,”
Nelson Cruz
Nelsy was the governor of the Monte Cristi province in the Dominican Republic.
As per the source, Nelsy reportedly called Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m. to tell him she was trapped in the club.
Roberto Angel Salcedo, the country’s Minister of Culture, shared a message about Nelsy’s death on his official Twitter handle. He wrote,
“I deeply regret the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province, which occurred in the tragic event at the Jet Set nightclub,”
Roberto Angel Salcedo
Former Baseball Designated Hitter Nelson Cruz’s Parents Are Educators
Nelson Ramon Cruz Martinez Jr., 44, was born on July 1, 1980, in Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Dominican Republic, to his father, Nelson Cruz Sr., and his mother, Dominga Cruz.
He grew up with his two sisters, Nelsy and Olga Cruz. They lived in a three-bedroom rented home.
Nelson’s parents are Dominican Republic nationals, but Nelson became an American citizen in 2018 and announced this on Instagram with the message, “Mission accomplished. Next stop: Registering to vote.”
Cruz’s father, Nelson Cruz Sr., is a former history professor and a professional baseball player. He taught his son history in ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade.
During one interview, Nelson Jr. said that when teachers went on strike, his father had to take other jobs and even fix shoes to provide food for his kids.
He also did plumbing stuff and often worked in the fields.
Recently, on March 10, 2025, Nelson took to his official Instagram handle and wished his father a happy birthday. He wrote,
It’s our teacher’s birthday!! 🥳 Today our family is filled with joy as we celebrate another year of our oak tree and my greatest role model in this life, my father, Nelson Cruz Sr. May God continue to grant you good health and many years of life so you can continue sharing and enjoying your stories and tales that we all love. I love you, Daddy, Happy Birthday!
Nelson Cruz Jr.
On the other hand, Nelson’s mother, Dominga, is an elementary school teacher. However, she has avoided the media spotlight, so little is known about her personal life.
Currently, Dominga and Nelson Cruz Sr., are mourning the loss of their daughter, Nelsy Cruz.
In addition, Nelson’s middle name comes from his grandfather, Ramon, a farmer who raised cows, bulls, and rice.
Nelson Cruz Started Dating Tuberkis Mateo After Separating From Solani Genao
Baseball designated hitter Nelson Cruz married Solani Genao in 2009. After several years of marriage, they welcomed one daughter and three sons.
However, the source claimed that Nelson and Solani had separated, and Nelson started dating Yuberkis Mateo.
They made their relationship private in 2021 and welcomed their first child, Neon, 6, in 2019, and their second child, Gala, 4 in 2021.
Yuberkis Mateo, 35, born on October 3, 1989, owns a vehicle rental company in the Dominican Republic.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In addition to Cruz’s playing sports, he worked as a mechanic’s helper with his uncle at a tractor factory. He also shines shoes and learned how to repair them.
- He donated $20,000 to buy a firetruck for Las Matas de Santa Cruz and enlisted AMR’s help in donating two ambulances.
- Nelson announced his retirement from baseball on November 2, 2023. On Opening Day, March 28, 2024, he signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a Seattle Mariner.
