Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz usually uses an interpreter during his interactions with the media, but on Wednesday, he did his entire media session without one and spoke entirely in English for the first time.
The young Reds star explained that it was important for him to speak for himself so that the media and the fans could really understand him.
“It’s important for the fans to understand me and [for] me [to] understand the fans,” he said. “I put a lot of work on my English to talk with you guys and I think I’m doing a good job.”
De La Cruz, 22, who previously said in February that he wanted to speak to the media in English, said Wednesday he has been practicing by talking with his teammates in Cincinnati.
“I just started with them, and I let it go,” De La Cruz said. “I like talking with the American guys because I create confidence. I don’t need [translator Jorge Merlos] anymore.”
De La Cruz added that Merlos has been an immense help with his English.
Reds manager David Bell told reporters that he was impressed by “the courage that takes” for De La Cruz to put himself out there like that.
“He’s incredibly thoughtful. He’s humble, the way he listens and learns,” Bell said.
The switch-hitting infielder is coming off a rookie season in which he hit .235 with a .710 OPS while recording 13 homers, 44 RBI, 67 runs and 35 stolen bases.
His first few months he took the league by storm, recording a cycle and stealing three bases in one inning.
De La Cruz had told reporters, via an interpreter, last week that he was looking forward to the new season.
“I feel really good,” De La Cruz said, according to MLB.com. “Obviously, there are going to be some days where the results are not going to be there as much as we want to. But I feel ready for the season.”
The Reds open the 2024 season on Thursday against the Nationals.
