Trei Cruz to become third member of famous Houston Cruz family to play for Rice baseball

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Episcopal High School infielder Trei Cruz, a junior, told FOX 26 Sports he has verbally committed to play baseball for Rice.

He will be a member of the Owls 2017 recruiting class, choosing Rice over Baylor, Stanford, Washington and Columbia.

Trei Cruz, grandson of former Astros star Jose Cruz Sr, is the son of former Rice All-American Jose Cruz Jr. and nephew of Enrique, who was a star on the Rice Owls national championship team in 2003.

“It’s great,” Jose Cruz Jr. told FOX 26 Sports. “It’s something that we’ve been working towards for a long time. Personally I’ve been trying to brainwash my kids to be Rice Owls since they were born.

“Ultimately, it becomes their decision. It was as far as 10 years from now ‘what are you going to feel proud of? What degree are you going to want first?’

“Secondary, let’s take a look at the baseball and both are great. It’s a great stage to play. It’s a very prestigious university to be a part of.”

Jose Cruz Jr. played baseball at Rice from 1993-1995, and as he pointed out, he and his brother, Enrique, graduated on the same day in 2013.

Trei looks forward to following in the footsteps of his father and uncle.

“It means a lot to keep the Cruz Legacy going,” Trei Cruz said. “I can’t wait to be a Rice Owl.”

Trei is thrilled to get the chance to play for Rice coach Wayne Graham.

”It’ll be awesome, I’m excited,” Trei Cruz said.

Trei Cruz verbally committed to Rice a year early and will sign with the Owls in November of 2016.