Elly De La Cruz Hits Emotional Home Run After Learning About Sister Genelis' Death

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3 days ago

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Elly De La Cruz's older sister, Genelis, died on Saturday, May 31, according to media reports
The 23-year-old Reds shortstop asked manager Terry Francona to still let him play Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs
De La Cruz then hit a home run during the game, honoring his sister as he crossed home plate
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz paid tribute to his older sister, Genelis, the best way he knew how on Sunday, June 1, launching one of the most emotional and memorable home runs of his career.
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The 23-year-old insisted on playing Sunday against the Chicago Cubs, according to Cincinnati manager Terry Francona, who told reporters after the game that he and De La Cruz's teammates told him 'we will support whatever he needs to do,' MLB.com and ESPN reported.
De La Cruz took the field with his sister's name etched into his hat and 'RIP Manita' written on his right shoe, using the Spanish slang word for 'sister.' The shortstop appeared to take a moment to collect himself before his first at-bat, hitting a single into right field to kick off an unforgettable game.
Geoff Stellfox/Getty Elly De La Cruz at Wrigley Field in Chicago in June 1, 2025
Elly De La Cruz at Wrigley Field in Chicago in June 1, 2025
Then in the sixth inning, De La Cruz sent a rocket of a home run flying out to right field and patted his chest as he rounded the bases. When the shortstop approached home, he pointed to the sky and made a heart symbol with his hands as he stepped on the plate.
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"He hit it like 150 million miles per hour through the wind,' Cubs pitcher James Taillon said about the emotionally charged home run, according to MLB.com.
Considered one of the league's premier players, De La Cruz finished the game with two RBIs on those two hits and a walk. The sixth-inning home run was the 50th of his career and perhaps one of his most cherished, coming less than 24 hours after learning about his sister's death in the Dominican Republic.
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Geoff Stellfox/Getty Elly De La Cruz at Wrigley Field in Chicago on June 1, 2025
Elly De La Cruz at Wrigley Field in Chicago on June 1, 2025
Citing local media reports, MLB.com, the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated reported that Genelis De La Cruz died on Saturday after an extended battle with her health. Her cause of death was not made clear in the reports.
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Genelis, a mother of two, is one of Elly's eight older siblings, according to The New York Times.
Francona told reporters after the game that De La Cruz 'takes so much pride in being available' for the team and noted how that was on display Sunday. 'For a kid that's that young, that's an admirable trait,' the veteran MLB manager said, recognizing the gravity of De La Cruz's situation.
"We care so much about playing a game and winning, but in a hurry you're reminded of what's really important," Francona added, according to the AP. "So I think everybody kind of kept their head on a swivel with him today, just trying to take care of him."
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