WATCH: Reds’ Elly De La Cruz addresses press conference in English for first time
Elly De La Cruz last season took help from his interpreter, Jorge Merlos to communicate with his teammates and the media
Elly De La Cruz spoke in English for the first time (Image via Imago/X)
With just hours remaining for regular Opening Day, Elly De La Cruz’s has given a huge surprise to the fans. The 22-year-old for the first time in his career, addressed the press in fluent English.
This might not seem like a big deal to many but for him it was “important“. During the 2023 season, he was unable to speak English and needed assistance from his interpreter Jorge Merlos to communicate with his teammates and the media.
Speaking at the conference, Elly De La Cruz said:
It’s important for the fans to understand me and (for) me (to) understand the fans. I put a lot of work on my English to talk with you guys.
Elly De La Cruz on speaking English.
The youngster had previously mentioned that he had been working on speaking English. During this conference, he would even have a light-hearted moment with the media claiming he does not need his translator anymore.
I just started with them, and I let it go. I like talking with the American guys because I create confidence. I don’t need him (Jorge Merlos) anymore.
Elly De La Cruz further continued.
Elly De La Cruz did his entire press conference in English, for the first time today.
“It’s important for the fans to understand me, and me understand the fans.”pic.twitter.com/IQOo4IIWwB
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 28, 2024
This development showed off the dedication of De La Cruz. With him starting to speak in English, fans are eager to hear from him more in the upcoming season as he prepares for a huge year.
Reds’ coach David Bell praises Elly De La Cruz for learning English
Elly De La Cruz learning and speaking English in 2024 was something many had not been expecting. The now shortstop of the team stunned fans with his English in a recent press conference. His coach David Bell has now praised him for this.
David Bell (L) and Elly De La Cruz (R) [Image via Imago]
While addressing the media regarding this, Bell applauded the Dominican Republic star for his hard work and called his work as “amazing“.
He’s incredibly thoughtful. He’s humble, the way he listens and learns.. I mean it's amazing. I can't relate to that.
David Bell on Elly De La Cruz during a press conference.
“It’s important to the fans to understand me and me understand the fans.” – @ellylacocoa18
Elly De La Cruz casually walked into his press conference today – answering every question in English. A project he spent a lot of time on in the offseason.#Reds manager David Bell… pic.twitter.com/bKJwhtf4zp
— Olivia Ray (@OliviaRayTV) March 28, 2024
This season, De La Cruz will be entering a new territory. Before the start of the Spring training, Bell informed the team’s plan of using him in the shortstop position instead of his regular third base. This would see Jeimer Candelario, the new signee during the offseason, to play as the Reds third baseman and provide extra support to the batting line-up.
Speaking on De La Cruz, the rookie last season stole the show with his batting prowess. In 98 games in 2023, he would bat with an average of .235 while hitting 13 home runs and having 44 RBI’s to his name.
Apart from this he broke several records too as he become the the first Reds player since 1989 to hit for the cycle and later stole all the bases in a single game against the Brewers. The Reds’ fans would be hoping for a similar impact from him now as his emergence along with several other youngsters has suddenly raised the expectations from the team.
