2021 MLB playoffs: Nelson Cruz moves up postseason leaderboard with unique Tropicana Field homer

One of many quirks of Tampa Bay’s Tropicana Subject was on show within the backside of the third inning in Game 1 of the Red Sox-Rays ALDS on Thursday night time. Rays designated hitter Nelson Cruz launched an absolute moonshot and, properly, right here you go: 

Listed here are the bottom guidelines on balls hitting the catwalks: 

Batted ball that strikes both of the decrease two catwalks (often known as the ‘C-Ring’ and the ‘D-Ring’), together with any lights or suspended objects hooked up to both of these catwalks in addition to any angled assist rods that join the ‘C-Ring’ to the masts that assist the ‘D-Ring’ in honest territory: Dwelling Run.

Batted ball that strikes both of the higher catwalks (often known as the ‘A-Ring’ and the ‘B-Ring’), together with the masts that assist every of these catwalks in addition to any angled assist rods that join the ‘B-Ring’ to the masts that assist the ‘C-Ring’ in honest territory: In Play. If caught by fielder, batter is out and runners advance at personal danger.

As famous on the FS1 broadcast, Cruz’s shot hit the “C-Ring” in honest territory, so it is a house run. 

That house run — in addition to cashing a Best Bets pick — was the 18th in Cruz’s profession to return within the postseason. He is now tied for sixth on the all-time listing. This is the leaderboard. 

1. Manny Ramirez: 29
2. Bernie Williams: 22
3. Derek Jeter: 20
4. George Springer, Albert Pujols: 19
6. Nelson Cruz, Jose Altuve, Reggie Jackson, Mickey Mantle: 18

If the Rays make a deep run, Cruz may conceivably get to second place. He’d need to have a record-breaking postseason with a purpose to catch Ramirez, although. 

There’s extra. Cruz is 41 years outdated. He is the second-oldest participant ever to house in a playoff sport after Julio Franco, who homered at age 43 in each the NLDS and NLCS in 2001 (via Matt Kelly of MLB.com).