Reds' Elly De La Cruz goes viral after giving first press conference entirely in English

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Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz is starting off the 2024 MLB season on a high note. 

In an 8-2 win over the Washington Nationals, De La Cruz, 22, became the youngest Reds player to start on opening day since 2009. Just a day earlier, the young infielder made headlines for giving a press conference entirely in English. 

Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds slides into third base during a game against the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Cincinnati.  (Aaron Doster/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

"It’s so important to me because now you guys understand what I say," De La Cruz, whose first language is Spanish, told reporters Wednesday. "It’s important to the fans to understand me and [for] me [to] understand the fans." 

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De La Cruz, who used an interpreter during his rookie season last year, said he’s been gaining "confidence" through conversations with teammates.

"I put a lot of work on my English to talk with you guys, and I think I’m doing a good job," he added with a smile.  

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And De La Cruz’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by his team. 

Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds bats during a game against the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Cincinnati.  (Aaron Doster/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

"He’s incredibly thoughtful. He’s humble, the way he listens and learns. I mean, it's amazing," Reds manager David Bell said of De La Cruz Wednesday. 

"I can’t relate to that. The courage that that takes and