CINCINNATI -- Since his 2023 Major League debut, so much has become known and documented about two-time All-Star Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz -- his power, his speed, his range at shortstop and his ability to electrify a crowd in big moments.
What about behind the scenes? What are some things fans should learn about De La Cruz off the field that they may not already know as he plays in his second All-Star Game, this time in Atlanta?
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Some of the people who know the 23-year-old star best -- members of the Reds -- tried to provide insights.
Playing all 162 games is very important to De La Cruz
De La Cruz has appeared in every game this season -- all 97 (through Sunday) -- with one time not starting.
“If you’re somebody that straps it on every day, wants to play every day, you’re in there every day and want to be there, it shows that you’re a team guy," catcher Jose Trevino said. "Even when you’re going through a slump, you might not be feeling 100 percent, and you want to be in there every day, that’s something about Elly that it’s like, ‘Yeah, he’s in there.’ It says a lot about him as the face of our team. There's nobody close."
After the May 31 death of his sister, Genelis, De La Cruz played the next day and hit a home run vs. the Cubs. He didn't take bereavement leave, departed for home during an off-day and missed one start -- June 6 vs. the Diamondbacks -- only because of a flight cancellation returning from the funeral in the Dominican Republic. Since the game was suspended by rain, he played after it was resumed the following day without officially missing a game.
"I think most people would have taken their three days," catcher Tyler Stephenson said. "He had one day off and was back. It says a lot about him and wanting to play every day. He never wants to come out of the lineup, and you respect that. Everybody goes through stuff throughout the season, and he’s out there every day.”
Despite his playful nature on the field, De La Cruz takes winning very seriously
“Something that sticks out is how much he wears on his shoulders how important he is to our team," closer Emilio Pagán said. "The whole world knows he’s our best player. Obviously, the best players are the guys that drive the team. But for a guy at his age with his experience level in the big leagues, he takes a lot of pride in being available for us every day, making the plays that we need him to make every day."
Inside, De La Cruz also fervently works out in the weight room before and after games and prepares his body to play.
"It’s admirable for somebody his age to take such pride in not only doing all the spectacular things, but the little things that lead to wins," Pagán said. "I hope that the fans can get a feel for that as they watch. He truly wants the best for the Cincinnati Reds. He knows if he’s at his best, it gives us the best chance.”
De La Cruz can still be a goofball, especially with outfielder Will Benson
Despite being serious about being in the lineup and preparation, De La Cruz can also be a clubhouse pest.
“He’s a big kid," Benson said. "I always say he plays a lot. We’ll be getting ready for a game, and he’s still playing. On the way to the hotel, he’s still playing. He’ll do childish stuff.”
Benson is often the target of most of De La Cruz's antics.
“He loves Benson. He calls him his son," second baseman Matt McLain said. “He’s just a normal guy. Fans don’t get to see that side of him. He likes to joke around.”
Benson doesn't mind.
“I embrace it," Benson said. "I think I’m the one who gets the most of it. He’s always doing something. I don’t know how, but he’ll figure out what room I’m in. He’ll just stand in front of my door and won’t let me put my key into the door, little stuff like that. Every time he asks to be next to my locker [on the road] so he can just mess with me the whole time.”
De La Cruz doesn't take himself too seriously, or his status
“The dude is very humble," Trevino said. "He carries himself like a superstar but doesn’t act like a superstar."
Manager Terry Francona is a big fan
“I love the kid. Everybody does. I was told when I came here, even in November, they were like, ‘Hey man, you won’t believe how people gravitate towards him.’ … He’s got the personality. He’s got that flair. He’s good for baseball," Francona said. “I will be long retired and still probably watching him play every [freaking] inning of every game."