Is Elly De La Cruz Related to Oneil Cruz? Are They Related?
by Abinaya
Updated Jun 12, 2023
Who is Elly De La Cruz?
Elly Antonio De La Cruz, born on January 11, 2002, is a talented professional baseball infielder from the Dominican Republic. He currently plays for the Cincinnati Reds in Major League Baseball (MLB), making his highly anticipated MLB debut in 2023. Let's delve into his journey and achievements thus far.
On July 2, 2018, De La Cruz signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an international free agent, joining their esteemed organization. This marked the beginning of his professional baseball career, filled with promise and potential. He initially made his professional debut in 2019 with the Dominican Summer League Reds, showcasing his skills and determination on the field.
The year 2020 presented unprecedented challenges with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the cancellation of the minor league season. Unfortunately, this meant that De La Cruz did not have the opportunity to participate in any games that year. However, he remained focused and continued to work on honing his skills, eagerly anticipating his return to the field.
In 2021, De La Cruz resumed his baseball journey, playing for the Arizona Complex League Reds and the Daytona Tortugas. This allowed him to further develop his abilities and gain valuable experience at different levels of competition. Building upon his progress, he continued to impress the Cincinnati Reds organization.
The following year, in 2022, De La Cruz demonstrated his talent as he played for the Dayton Dragons and the Chattanooga Lookouts. His exceptional performance and dedication to the sport caught the attention of many, leading to his selection to represent the Reds in the prestigious All-Star Futures Game. This recognition not only highlights his individual achievements but also showcases his potential as a future star in the MLB.
Is Elly De La Cruz Related to Oneil Cruz?
Elly De La Cruz and Oneil Cruz are both talented baseball players hailing from the Dominican Republic. While they have made significant contributions to the sport and share a common background, it's important to note that they are not related. The Dominican Republic has a long-standing reputation for producing exceptional baseball talent, and both De La Cruz and Cruz have emerged as notable figures within this tradition.
Their achievements on the field and dedication to the game have garnered attention and admiration from fans and experts alike. Elly De La Cruz has showcased his skills as an infielder for the Cincinnati Reds, making his MLB debut in 2023. He has displayed great promise and potential in his young career, impressive with his athleticism and passion for the game.
Oneil Cruz, on the other hand, is a professional baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He made his MLB debut in 2021, capturing the attention of fans with his remarkable height for a shortstop and his ability to make impactful plays on the field. Both players represent the next generation of Dominican talent in the baseball world, adding to the rich legacy of Dominican players who have excelled in the sport.
Their individual accomplishments contribute to the pride and enthusiasm felt by baseball fans in the Dominican Republic. While Elly De La Cruz and Oneil Cruz share similarities in their nationality and passion for baseball, it is important to clarify that they do not have a familial connection. They have each worked hard to forge their own paths in the sport, utilizing their unique skills and talents to make a name for themselves.
Who is Oneil Cruz?
Oneil Cruz, born on October 4, 1998, is a Dominican professional baseball player who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball (MLB). What makes Cruz an intriguing figure is not just his talent on the field, but also the unique story that surrounds him. Making his MLB debut in 2021, Cruz comes from a baseball background.
His father, Rafael Cruz, was a retired minor league player who named his son after his favorite player, the former New York Yankees outfielder Paul O'Neill. This connection to the game runs deep within the Cruz family, adding an element of nostalgia and passion to Oneil's journey. However, it was an incident in September 2020 that captured public attention and added a layer of curiosity to Cruz's story.
On that fateful day, Cruz was involved in a tragic vehicle crash in the Dominican Republic. The collision occurred when his Jeep collided with a motorcycle carrying three individuals who were traveling without lights in the same direction. Sadly, the three individuals lost their lives in the accident. Miraculously, Cruz survived the crash without sustaining serious injuries, leaving many astonished and intrigued by his fortune.
Beyond his compelling background and the events surrounding the accident, Cruz's physical attributes make him stand out among his peers. At a towering height of 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) and weighing 215 pounds (98 kg), he is exceptionally tall for a shortstop. In fact, he shares this distinction with Joel Guzmán, who briefly played as a 6-foot-7-inch (2.01 m) shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2007.
While a few other players have reached 6-foot-5-inch (1.96 m) heights and played at shortstop, including Archi Cianfrocco, Troy Glaus, and Michael Morse, Cruz's towering presence at the position adds an intriguing aspect to his game.
Elly De La Cruz Brother
Elly De La Cruz, the talented baseball player, has a brother named O'Neil Cruz who is also making waves in the world of professional baseball. O'Neil Cruz currently plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates and holds the position of shortstop. Renowned for his exceptional skills, he is highly regarded as one of the top prospects in the sport.
Both Elly and O'Neil hail from the Dominican Republic, a country known for producing exceptional baseball talent. They began their baseball journeys at a young age, displaying a natural affinity for the sport. Their remarkable abilities caught the attention of Major League Baseball teams, and they were signed as international free agents.
With dedication and determination, they swiftly progressed through the ranks of the minor leagues, showcasing their immense potential. In 2023, Elly De La Cruz achieved a significant milestone by making his Major League debut with the Cincinnati Reds. Since then, he has impressed fans and experts alike with his remarkable performances on the field. Regarded as one of the brightest young talents in baseball, he has garnered attention for his exceptional skills and promising future.
Elly De La Cruz Stats
2023
CIN
6
22
7
8
1
1
1
4
5
0
10
3
0
.364
.481
.636
1.118
0.5
Career
-
6
22
7
8
1
1
1
4
5
0
10
3
0
.364
.481
.636
1.118
-
Season Averages
-
6
22
7
8
1
1
1
4
5
0
10
3
0
.364
.481
.636
1.118
-
SEASON
TEAM
GP
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
BB
HBP
SO
SB
CS
AVG
OBP
SLG
OPS
WAR
Oneil Cruz Stats
9 Apr vs White Sox
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
.250
9 Apr vs White Sox
4
2
1
0
1
2
0
1
.267
8 Apr vs White Sox
3
2
1
1
2
1
0
0
.269
5 Apr @ Red Sox
4
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
.261
5 Apr @ Red Sox
4
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
.263
4 Apr @ Red Sox
5
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
.333
2 Apr @ Reds
4
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
.400
2 Apr @ Reds
4
0
2
1
0
1
0
0
.500
31 Mar @ Reds
2
2
1
2
2
0
1
0
.500
Regular season
32
7
8
4
7
8
1
3
.250
Game
AB
R
H
RBI
BB
SO
HR
SB
Avg
Is Elly De La Cruz Related to Oneil Cruz - FAQ
Elly De La Cruz is a talented professional baseball infielder from the Dominican Republic who currently plays for the Cincinnati Reds in Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2023.
No, Elly De La Cruz and O'Neil Cruz are both talented baseball players from the Dominican Republic, but they are not related. They have separate baseball careers and represent different MLB teams.
O'Neil Cruz is a Dominican professional baseball player who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates in MLB. He made his MLB debut in 2021 and is known for his unique height as a shortstop.
O'Neil Cruz comes from a baseball family, with his father being a retired minor league player. He shares a namesake connection with former MLB player Paul O'Neill. Additionally, Cruz survived a tragic vehicle crash in 2020, which garnered public attention.
In the 2023 season, Elly De La Cruz played 6 games, with 22 at-bats, 7 runs, 8 hits, 1 double, 1 triple, 1 home run, 4 RBIs, and a .364 batting average. His career stats show similar numbers, and he is considered one of the brightest young talents in baseball.