Nelson Cruz Makes Emotional Return To Montecristi With Family Following Sister’s Passing

MLB star honors late sister Nelsy in hometown gathering surrounded by loved ones and locals.

By Pahul Pahul linkedin_icon

MLB veteran Nelson Cruz recently made an emotional return to his hometown of Montecristi in the Dominican Republic, accompanied by his family to honor the memory of his late sister, Nelsy M. Cruz Martínez, who passed away earlier this month.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, the former MLB outfielder shared his feelings about returning to the place that holds so many memories of his sister. The image shows Cruz surrounded by family members in what appears to be a gathering in Montecristi, capturing a moment of remembrance and solidarity.

Cruz expressed his emotions in Spanish, writing: “Returning to Montecristi with my entire family was like embracing love, kindness, the gift of service – essentially, embracing her. Every corner of this town has a piece of her love, her strength, her dedication.”

A Sister’s Legacy Remembered

The baseball star, known affectionately as “Boomstick,” continued his tribute by acknowledging how his sister’s presence remains in the community: “My little sister will always be here, in her land, in her people, and in each one of us. Thank you for so much affection, for remembering her with so much love. I love you, little girl. Always with you.”

This visit follows a series of posts from Cruz in recent weeks announcing the tragic news of his sister’s passing. On April 8, Cruz shared an official statement from the Cruz Martínez family confirming her death, and later posted an invitation to a memorial service held at Hacienda Cruz.

Nelsy Cruz appears to have been deeply involved in charitable work, particularly through her brother’s Boomstick23 Foundation. Previous posts about her passing mentioned her “heart for service” that lives on through the foundation’s work, suggesting she played a significant role in the family’s philanthropic efforts.

Community Support During Difficult Times

The Cruz family has received an outpouring of support from fans, the Dominican community, and the baseball world. In an earlier statement, Nelson Cruz expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by Dominicans both at home and abroad, as well as people of other nationalities during this difficult time.

The family held a nine-day prayer vigil (novenario) for Nelsy at Hacienda Cruz, a tradition in Dominican culture to honor and remember the deceased while providing comfort to the family.

Nelson Cruz: Beyond Baseball

Nelson Cruz, 43, has built a remarkable 19-year career in Major League Baseball, playing for teams including the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, and San Diego Padres.

While his professional accomplishments include seven All-Star selections and four Silver Slugger Awards, Cruz has become equally known for his humanitarian efforts off the field. His Boomstick23 Foundation has worked to improve lives in his native Dominican Republic and other communities where he has played.

Earlier this month, Cruz was honored by the Minnesota Twins, where he had a significant impact during his time with the team. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Twins’ 2025 season, with several posts noting that the recognition was not just for his on-field numbers but also for his contributions away from the diamond.

Family And Community At The Heart

This return to Montecristi highlights the close connection Cruz maintains with his hometown and family despite his international career. The gathering appears to be not just about mourning but also about celebrating Nelsy’s life and continuing her legacy of service.

The Cruz family’s deep roots in the Dominican Republic and their commitment to giving back to their community have made them beloved figures both locally and internationally.

As Nelson Cruz navigates this personal loss, the support from his hometown of Montecristi seems to provide some comfort, with the community joining together to honor the memory of Nelsy Cruz Martínez and the impact she had on those around her.

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Pahul Nanra has two years of experience in crafting engaging articles on fashion, hairstyles, sports, and lifestyle. An English Honors graduate from Delhi University, she currently works for MLBCrazeand Stylecraze. Pahul specializes in exploring the latest developments in baseball and bringing it to her readers.

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