How tall is Elly De La Cruz?
Elly Antonio De La Cruz, born on January 11, 2002, is a Dominican professional baseball infielder who has taken Major League Baseball (MLB) by storm. Rising from humble beginnings in Sabana Grande de Boyá, Dominican Republic, De La Cruz's journey to success is nothing short of extraordinary. Let's delve into the key milestones that have defined his remarkable career. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, De La Cruz was surrounded by a large family, including his twin brother, Pedro. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 5 inches, Elly has always stood out among the crowd, both for his athletic prowess and his unique background as a Jewish black man. In 2018, the Cincinnati Reds recognized De La Cruz's potential and signed him as an international free agent. Making his professional debut at just 17 years old with the Dominican Summer League Reds, he showcased his talents primarily as a shortstop. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, De La Cruz continued to impress with the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Reds and Single-A Daytona Tortugas. In 2021, De La Cruz's star continued to rise as he shone for the Dayton Dragons and Chattanooga Lookouts. With an outstanding performance, he earned well-deserved titles, including being named the best player in the Arizona Complex League and the best athlete and fastest baserunner in the Reds' organization. The 2022 season was a breakthrough for De La Cruz as he showcased his exceptional skills, hitting .304/.359/.586 with career-highs in home runs, RBIs, and stolen bases. His achievements led him to be named an MiLB Organization All-Star, a Midwest League Post-Season All-Star, and the Midwest League Prospect of the Year. The Reds recognized his potential, adding him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. On June 6, 2023, De La Cruz received the long-awaited call-up to the MLB, becoming one of the youngest players in the league. Filling in for an injured player, he left a lasting impression with his towering presence and exceptional speed. Teammates and fans alike were in awe of his raw talent and power on the field. De La Cruz has already achieved several historic milestones in his short MLB career, from hitting his first major league home run to becoming the youngest player to hit for the cycle since 1972. Notably, he broke the Statcast record for the fastest infield assist and established himself as the fastest player in the league.
Photo Credits: si.com
