On Tuesday night, former University of Utah baseball star C.J. Cron was honored among the game’s very best.
The 32-year-old Colorado Rockies first baseman made his Major League All-Star debut at Dodger Stadium.
In a 3-2 victory for the American League, Cron took over duties at first base in the seventh inning. Cron went 0-for-1 at the plate, grounding into a fielder’s choice in the top of the eighth and beating out a throw to avoid a double-play.
After playing for the Angels, Rays, Twins and Tigers — with stints as a member of the Salt Lake Bees — Cron is enjoying a career year with the Rockies.
“It’s a blast. Colorado is a great place to play,” Cron said in an interview with MLB.com this weekend. “I really enjoy my time there. We’ve got great fans. So it’s been great so far.”
Cron is batting .298 with 21 homers (fifth in the National League) and 69 RBIs (also fifth). He’s done most of his damage at Coors Field, where he’s smashed 16 of his home runs and knocked in 53 of those RBIs.
Cron, who played for the Utes from 2009-11, remains in touch with the program. This year, Cron gave a “significant gift” to Utah baseball.
“I am extremely honored and humbled to be able to give back to the University of Utah baseball program,” Cron said in a news release at the time. “Both the University and baseball program hold a special place in my heart. I would not be the person or ball player I am today without the unwavering support from everyone I crossed paths with at Utah. I will forever be a Ute.”
