cincinnati reds Infielder Elie Delacruz is off to a strong start to the 2024 MLB season.
In a game won 8-2, washington nationals, Dela Cruz, 22, became the youngest Reds player to start on Opening Day since 2009. The day before, the young infielder made headlines for holding a press conference entirely in English.
Elie Delacruz of the Cincinnati Reds slides into third base during a game against the Washington Nationals on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. (Aaron Doster/MLB Photo via Getty Images)
“This is very important to me because you can understand what I’m saying,” Delacruz, a native Spanish speaker, told reporters on Wednesday. “It’s important for my fans to understand me, [for] myself [to] Understand your fans. ”
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Delacruz used translator During his rookie season last year, he said he gained “confidence” through conversations with his teammates.
“I practiced my English very hard to talk to you all. I think I did a good job,” he added with a smile.
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And Dela Cruz’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by his team.
Elie Delacruz of the Cincinnati Reds stands at bat during a game against the Washington Nationals on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. (Aaron Doster/MLB Photo via Getty Images)
“He’s incredibly thoughtful. He’s humble and his willingness to listen and learn is great. I mean, that’s great,” Reds manager David Bell said of Dela Cruz on Wednesday.
“I can’t relate to that. That courage and respect for him is beyond anything I’ve had to deal with. It’s impressive and we know that about Ellie. But , other people see it and say, “That’s great, because I want everyone to see everything that I know about the players. And for Ellie, it’s a great example of what kind of person he is.” ”
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Elie Delacruz of the Cincinnati Reds hits a triple in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 28, 2023 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Reds outfielder Nick Martini hit two home runs in the first Opening Day start of his major league career, hitting a two-run homer in the second inning and a three-run homer in the third to help Cincinnati defeat Washington 8-2. Contributed.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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