Overview

• At 22, De La Cruz becomes the youngest Reds player to start on Opening Day since 2009, making headlines with his English-speaking debut.
• De La Cruz's decision to speak English publicly marks a significant step in his personal and professional development.
• Teammates and coaches praise De La Cruz's courage and effort in learning English, highlighting his humility and thoughtfulness.
• The Dominican Republic native had previously relied on a translator for media interactions but has worked diligently on his English communication skills.
• De La Cruz's ability to speak English directly to fans and media is seen as an important step in strengthening his connection with the baseball community.