Some victories in sports echo far beyond the cheers of the crowd. They carry whispers of long journeys, sacrifices made quietly, and a belief that is unshakable. These are the stories that really stay with us, because the brightest lights often shine after the darkest nights. One such story of sheer determination and profound inspiration is unfolding right in the heart of the New York Yankees.
The Yankees’ ace reliever, Fernando Cruz, isn’t just throwing heat; he’s pitching with purpose. This 35-year-old has been a revelation for the Bronx Bombers this season. By early May 2025, Cruz had a stellar 1.37 ERA. He struck out an insane 39.2% of the batters he faced. His 29 strikeouts in only 19.2 innings underscore his dominance. Clearly, he is a vital arm in the bullpen. But his path to this point was far from a straight line to success—it was a marathon.
Recently, Cruz opened up about the incredible anchor in his life: his late mother, Virginia Manon. He shared how her words became his lifeline. Manon, a devout Christian, always encouraged her son. “She told me: ‘Don’t quit, please. God has something really, really special for you,’” Cruz told the New York Post. For sixteen challenging years in the minor leagues, those words resonated deeply. “And here I am… living a dream every day,” Cruz added, his voice heavy with emotion.
Credit: Fernando Cruz via NY Post
Tragically, Manon passed away from brain cancer in 2021 at age 69. She never saw her son reach the major leagues with the Cincinnati Reds a year later. Nor did she witness his trade to his beloved Yankees in 2024. Cruz believes his mother made a divine trade. “I think she made a deal with God. Like, ‘Alright, put my guys in the best position possible and take me with you.’ Because everything took place incredibly after she passed,” he shared with heartfelt belief.
His mother’s impact touched his personal life deeply and beautifully as well. He married Omaley, the daughter of his third-base coach, when he was 18. Cruz laughingly shared a charming detail about their connection. He said his wife, Omaley, actually “fell in love with my mom first.” This shows what a warm, magnetic person Manon truly was, her love spilling into every part of her son’s life.
This strong maternal connection ripples through Major League Baseball, especially on Mother’s Day. Yankees teammate Carlos Rodón highlighted his wife Ashley’s crucial role. “Without Ashley, this train does not keep going,” Rodón stated, acknowledging all mothers and wives. Another Yankee, J.C. Escarra, had a tearful, viral phone conversation with his mother, Marinelys, when he made the team, shouting, “We did it!” These stories underscore a shared emphasis on strong motherly support throughout the league.
A mother’s unwavering belief: Inspiring MLB journeys and powering the Yankees’ season
Cruz’s belief in his mother’s guidance isn’t just sentiment; it’s rooted in a long, hard-fought reality. His journey was a lengthy, 16-year odyssey. Drafted as an infielder by the Kansas City Royals in 2007, he converted to a pitcher in 2011. The journey was difficult, including releases by the Royals in 2012 and by the Cubs in 2016. He persevered through the independent ball and the Mexican League.
Then, in 2021, following his mother’s death and her earlier prediction that 2021 would be his year, things began to turn around. He starred in the Caribbean Series before signing in Mexico and recording the most saves in the history of the franchise. Suddenly, MLB noticed. In February 2022, he signed a contract with the Reds. Finally, at 32, Cruz got his opportunity to pitch in the majors. This immense drive is a testament to his strength of character, no doubt inspired by the larger-than-life belief his mother had in him.
As of early May 2025, the Yankees are playing extremely well. They sit atop the AL East with a strong 22-16 record. They have a potent lineup, with 216 runs scored and 66 home runs. The pitching staff, featuring Cruz, maintains a solid 3.55 team ERA. While their fielding is around league average, their overall performance (a +69 run differential) signals a team with serious championship aspirations, maybe carrying a little extra inspiration from stories like Cruz’s.
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