Brandon Cruz
Maybe I can thank Vin Scully for getting me into my career. I was an 8-year-old watching baseball, wanting to be there, as a player or better yet, the broadcaster. Scully was the voice that brought me there. Even though he was the long time voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as a San Francisco Giants fan, I didn’t hold that against him. He was the broadcaster for all the big games of my youth and I wanted to emulate him.
The journey began by doing every possible book report I was assigned on sports, athletes or broadcasters. As I moved into high school, the passion continued. I first became a writer for "The Amadon", the newspaper for Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, CA. Our mascot is the Dons if you were wondering where "The Amadon" came from. The next year, I became the sports editor for the paper. I then brought my talents to Southern California and Long Beach State, where I was able to get my first big break. My uncle, Gary Cruz, an Emmy-winning sports anchor, took a job at KCAL just up the road in Los Angeles. He gave me an opportunity to intern and learn from the best sportscaster I’ve ever known, as well as a great group of people. Plus, I got to meet and spend a little time with Scully at Dodger Stadium during the 5 years I was at KCAL. I moved up the ranks and was producing sports, covering many of the same athletes I had been writing book reports about as a kid.
My next life-changing moment happened soon after college. I was hired as the Sports Director at KVEW-KAPP in the Tri-Cities, WA. From there I did sports in Pocatello, ID, Colorado Springs, CO, and Denver, CO before coming to Milwaukee in 2006. In the Brew City, I’ve been fortunate to cover the Packers, including Brett Favre’s final year with the green and gold, the Brewers return to the playoffs for the first time since 1982, as well as their NLCS runs in 2011 and 2018. Covering basketball in this city has been amazing, especially after the Bucks drafted Giannis Antetokounmpo as I've covered their playoff runs, including their 2019 Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The Badgers Final Four experience, which ended in a loss in the NCAA Championship Game against Duke, was one of the most exciting experiences I've been able to be a part of. Plus, the nearly annual chance to cover Marquette in the NCAA Tournament has made for great stories.
In 2009 my life changed again. I made a move from sports to the news side of journalism when I joined FOX6 as a general assignment reporter. The transition was much more enjoyable than I could have imagined. I’ve seen the amazing changes in Wisconsin up close. From the Packers Super Bowl run in 2011 to the protests over Act 10 days later and the subsequent recall races to the wild weather we’ve endured, I’ve told the stories that matter to you. Then the national political scene set its sights on Wisconsin and I was able to sit down with the eventual Republican candidate, Mitt Romney and tell you why he was running for the highest office in the land. I also told you stories about former President Bill Clinton stumping for President Barack Obama and the President himself, making many stops in our state.
Once again my professional life changed, this time in June of 2014 when I moved from news back into sports. Again, I’m telling stories of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Marquette and Wisconsin athletics, among others. During the football season, I’m also bringing you the FOX6 High School Blitz. Along with giving you sports news of the day, I’m also sharing unique stories that take you "Beyond the Game". This is an opportunity that I’m thoroughly enjoying as I’m able to bring you stories that are more than just x’s and o’s of sport and more of the people who are the true story.
Most importantly, Milwaukee is where I met my beautiful wife. Because of her, I’ve been able to make Milwaukee my home where we are raising our wonderful son.
If it weren’t for Vin Scully’s impact on an 8-year-old kid in Northern California, none of this would have been possible and you would be reading about somebody else. Thank you Vin and more importantly thank you for taking an interest in me.
The latest from Brandon Cruz
Vin Baker uses sobriety journey to help those fighting addiction
Anniversaries are a thing to celebrate. For Bucks coach Vin Baker, they also act as a reminder of his journey of sobriety. Brandon Cruz goes Beyond the Game.
Hartford senior gets a second chance at life
In an instant, one's life can change dramatically. It happened to a local high school student on the football field. Now, he's creating a new path. Brandon Cruz goes Beyond the Game.
West Bend AIMS class working together for better health
Motivation is such a huge part of keeping an exercise regimen going. One local fitness instructor has found the perfect way to keep her students coming back. Brandon Cruz goes Beyond the Game.
NCAA Tournament: Marquette, Wisconsin men's basketball eye Sweet 16
The Marquette Golden Eagles and Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball teams are dancing with the hope of advancing to the Sweet 16.
Umpire class gets people ready to take to the field
The boys of summer will soon be taking the field and the people making sure the games are called properly will be ready.
Cudahy girls basketball coach teaches self-love to her team
For some, coaching is just a job. However, for Cudahy's girls basketball coach, it's a calling. And her coaching goes well beyond the court.
Determined volunteers building Brookfield lacrosse program
When you start playing a new sport, it can take some time to adjust, but it's always good to get in while you're young. Brandon Cruz goes Beyond the Game as one local organization tries to build up a new crop of athletes.
Westosha Central seniors determined to bring equality to school
The fight continues to ensure equal opportunities for all in sports. Brandon Cruz goes Beyond the Game with a group of determined women who will not take no for an answer.
High School Blitz 2023: Teams punch ticket to Madison
Welcome to the Level 4 playoff edition of the FOX6 High School Blitz where that same sacrifice can help lead teams to the state title game next week in Madison.
High School Blitz 2023: Only elite survive in Level 3 of playoffs
Welcome to the Level 3 playoff edition of the FOX6 High School Blitz where every team playing tonight is elite and is trying to forge a path to Madison to make history.