ARLINGTON, Texas — There are always plaques or trophies presented to Texas Rangers players or fans during pregame festivities at Rangers Ballpark.
But because of the generosity of outfielder Nelson Cruz and others, there will be a fire truck presented before Wednesday's game against Oakland.
Cruz made a donation toward the purchase of a fire truck for the city of Las Matas de Santa Cruz in his home country of the Dominican Republic. American Medical Response also has stepped up to the plate and will donate two ambulances to the town, which is located near Cruz's hometown of Monte Cristi.
Cruz met with officials from the city earlier this year to get the ball rolling on the project and also talked with the Arlington Fire Department to get advice.
"I am always seeking ways to give back to the community in which I was raised," Cruz said in a statement. "I wanted to find a way to use my resources to help a lot of people for many years to come, and this donation does that."
Cruz put up $20,000, and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation also contributed more than $9,000. The truck was repainted and equipment was donated by the AFD as well as Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus. The ambulances also were painted and supplied with safety equipment. Several companies chipped in $4,500 to assist in transporting the vehicles, and Cruz will pay the rest.
