It’s fitting Fernando Cruz chose the Lion King’s “Circle of Life” as his walkout music before his relief appearances because he's lived it throughout his baseball career.
Promoted to the Major Leagues after rosters expanded in September, the 32-year-old Cruz became the oldest Reds player to make his Major League debut in 66 years when he pitched a scoreless inning Friday. He struck out two batters with his slider and was greeted by a long line of teammates ready to high-five him in the dugout.
"Realizing all the effort made before this happened, realizing that at the moment that I have to strike a big-league hitter out, is amazing," Cruz said.