Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz comments on his first experience playing on the New York Yankees field following his team’s 5-4 victory in the opener of a three-game series. De La Cruz who grew up to be a Yankees fan stated that it was an “amazing” experience playing on the field in front of such a “loud” fan base.
Furthermore, it is also the field where his favorite baseball player once made history. He has idolized Derek Jeter for a long time and felt “proud” to stand on the same Yankees field as him. His first Major League game as a fan was at the Bronx.
In the latest game, he boosted the team to victory with a triple and two-run HR, and two runs scored for the Cincinnati Reds. When asked about his view of the Yankees stadium, he noted,
I like it a lot.Elly De La Cruz as per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
Reds pitcher, Graham Ashcraft highly complimented the 22-year-old saying, “he steps it up a notch, and it’s impressive” that De La Cruz does not let the noise overwhelm him. Even team manager David Bell said that there are some players who are just “comfortable in the big spot.”
The New York Yankees stadium was lit with cheers as the crowd witnessed Elly De La Cruz’s speed. Especially during the leadoff triple against Yankees rookie Luis Gil. During one of his faceoffs against his superstar friend Juan Soto, De La Cruz easily raced off to third base with a slide.
The Reds infielder said that maybe Soto was trying to sound him out but he pushed away his efforts with an effortless shot. De La Cruz said,
He was trying to get me out. He can’t catch me.Elly De La Cruz as per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
I will never get tired of Elly De La Cruz postgame interviews.
Impossible to not love this kid. #Reds
— Reds Daily (@RedsDaily4) July 3, 2024When asked how he is feeling hitting right-handed shots, he said he’s “been working out a lot” and “I feel the most confident.” He said he’s comfortable using both sides now. Reds outfielder Will Benson said, “It’s Elly being Elly” and De La Cruz is one of the players who can pull a triple like it’s nothing.
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