In Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday, amidst a modest crowd of around 30 people, some engaged in pre-game preparations, a captivating scene unfolded. Whenever the crack of the bat resounded, heads would turn, even from those occupied with hosing off seats. Inside the batting cage stood a remarkable presence, channeling the spirit of baseball legends like Ken Griffey Jr. Sporting a backward-flipped hat and wielding a left-handed swing as smooth as silk, Elly De La Cruz emerged as a phenomenon, injecting new excitement into the game.
De La Cruz’s powerful hits echoed through the stadium’s vast alleys, sending balls soaring into the outfield seats or causing a splash in the fountain. The awe-inspiring display continued until, an hour later, the Cincinnati Reds’ young sensation, accompanied by a few teammates, strolled towards the visitor’s dugout.
To everyone’s surprise, it was only 2:58 p.m., and the first pitch was still more than four hours away. It is a rare occurrence for a player, especially one widely regarded as baseball’s top prospect, to surpass expectations right from the start. However, even more extraordinary was the emergence of a talent like De La Cruz, a 21-year-old switch-hitting infielder, whose inaugural week in the majors would be forever etched in baseball lore.
During his inaugural series in the big leagues, De La Cruz showcased his extraordinary abilities in a manner that left fans and experts in awe. Against Noah Syndergaard, he unleashed a remarkable swing, obliterating a 92 mph fastball that soared an astonishing 458 feet, coming within a row of departing Great American Ball Park altogether. The same game against the Dodgers witnessed the 6-foot-5 prodigy sprint from home plate to third base on a triple with unparalleled speed, outpacing every other player this season. Not content with his offensive prowess, De La Cruz even displayed his defensive acumen by unleashing a laser-like throw at 96.6 mph to first base, securing an out.
Elias Sports Bureau revealed that De La Cruz became only the second player since 1900 to achieve a single, double, triple, home run, and stolen base within their first three games. The first player to accomplish this feat was Bill Bruton of the Milwaukee Braves back in 1953.
Reds manager David Bell readily acknowledged the remarkable performances of De La Cruz, acknowledging that his on-field contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. The excitement lies not only in the individual feats he has achieved but also in how his contributions have translated into victories for the team.
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The recent events surrounding De La Cruz have brought a level of excitement and achievement to Cincinnati that has been absent for quite some time. The city has been longing for standout performances and remarkable displays of talent, and De La Cruz’s arrival has provided just that. With his awe-inspiring feats on the field, he has injected a much-needed energy and enthusiasm into the Cincinnati baseball scene. The city, hungry for success, is buzzing with anticipation and embracing the opportunity to witness greatness unfold right before their eyes. De La Cruz’s impact has undoubtedly rejuvenated the spirit of baseball in Cincinnati, offering a glimmer of hope and a newfound sense of pride in their team.
Decades have passed since the glory days of the Big Red Machine, and since then, the Cincinnati Reds have experienced a prolonged period of disappointment and heartbreak. While they managed to secure an unexpected World Series title in 1990, it was surrounded by seasons plagued with losses. The norm for the team has been heartbreak, with numerous losing seasons overshadowing any moments of joy. The Reds’ performance hit a low point last season, losing 100 games, their highest number since 1982. Over the past eight full seasons, they have finished with losing records seven times, making the playoffs only once during the shortened 2020 season, where they were swiftly eliminated in the wild-card round with a 31-29 record due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout the years, there have been talents that sparked hope and excitement among Cincinnati fans. Players like Joey Votto and Johnny Cueto managed to live up to expectations and made significant contributions to the team. However, there have been just as many prospects who failed to fulfill their potential, such as Brandon Larson, Christopher Gruler, and Ryan Wagner, leaving fans disappointed.
Given this delicate balance between success and failure, it is perhaps the reason why De La Cruz found himself back at the ballpark so early on Tuesday. The Reds organization, the fans, and even De La Cruz himself understand the historical context and the weight of expectations. They recognize the significance of his exceptional performances and the potential impact he can have on the team’s fortunes, making his presence at the ballpark even more meaningful.
In the series opener against the Kansas City Royals, De La Cruz struggled, going 0 for 5 at the plate with two strikeouts. He appeared lost and confused, but he was determined to regain his confidence. Wearing his ball cap with shades positioned high, his head remained remarkably still as he relentlessly pounded balls to all corners of the field, observed by a few of his teammates.
Reds manager David Bell acknowledged that there is a period of adjustment and transition for De La Cruz. As a young player, he is focused on understanding his role within the team and making the right choices in the clubhouse. Despite the challenges, De La Cruz has shown a remarkable ability to adapt, which can be attributed to the preparation and guidance he received from various individuals within the organization. He has displayed a willingness to seek advice and ask questions, which has contributed to his smooth transition into the major league environment.
De La Cruz’s journey with the Reds began in 2018 when he signed as an international free agent at the age of 16. The following year, he made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League. However, due to the pandemic, the minor league season was canceled in 2020, depriving him of valuable playing time. Nonetheless, his talent and potential were evident. He spent time in rookie ball before eventually progressing to the Class-A level.
Despite the challenges he faced along the way, De La Cruz’s exceptional ability has shone through, confirming the promise that he holds as a player.
Last year, De La Cruz split his playing time between Class-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga, showcasing his skills to such an extent that he earned a spot in the All-Star Futures Game, representing the Reds. As autumn arrived, the organization added him to their 40-man roster to safeguard him from the Rule 5 draft. He continued to impress during the subsequent spring training and was assigned to Triple-A Louisville.
In Louisville, De La Cruz exhibited his prowess, posting a .298 batting average with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. His standout performance combined with an injury to Nick Senzel created an opportunity for him to join the Cincinnati Reds.
Receiving messages of congratulations and encouragement from fellow Dominican players, including Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks and Oneil Cruz of the Pirates, De La Cruz feels the support from his fellow countrymen. His large family, consisting of five brothers and three sisters, has been closely following his journey and celebrating his achievements back in the Dominican Republic.
Unlike many previous Reds prospects burdened with immense expectations, De La Cruz is fortunate to have a supportive network. He is part of a promising young core that includes players like Matt McLain, who is currently among the top vote-getters in All-Star balloting, fellow infielder Spencer Steer, who receives regular playing time, and rookie Andrew Abbott, who has secured a spot in the starting rotation. Together, they form a versatile and dynamic group that signifies great potential for the future of the team.
At the heart of this emerging talent is De La Cruz himself. Humble and focused, he remains committed to giving his team the best chance to win and always striving to deliver his utmost effort on the field.