Elly De La Cruz on emotionally, physically tough 2025 and what's next
Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz played earned All-Star selection and didn't miss a game despite his toughest season, on and off the field.
GOODYEAR, AZ – It was quieter than usual for a Sunday morning after a night game in the cramped visitors clubhouse at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Among those conspicuously absent from the room that day last June was Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds ’ budding franchise superstar. “We just told him we’ll support whatever he needs to do,” manager Terry Francona said quietly before the game.
De La Cruz learned that morning that his sister, Genelis, had died overnight after a lengthy illness, leaving behind two small children and a devastated close-knit family. De La Cruz did not speak to media that day. He did not tell most teammates.
He grieved. He played shortstop. He hit a long home run.
And just as he crossed the plate after circling the bases, he pointed to the sky and then tapped his heart. “We care so much about playing a game, and winning,” Francona said that day, “but in a hurry you’re reminded of what’s really important. ” A grieving De La Cruz, then 23, went home to the Dominican Republic a few days later to be with family, but he returned quickly and kept playing.
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