Elly De La Cruz is set to make his All-Star debut, and he’s eager to seize the opportunity.
De La Cruz expressed his excitement about connecting with Dodgers’ standout Shohei Ohtani during the event. He is even learning Japanese to facilitate communication with Ohtani, showcasing his dedication to making the most of this experience.
“I’m trying to learn Japanese so I can converse with Shohei,” De La Cruz shared. “It’s a challenge, but I’m committed to it.”
Elly De La Cruz revealed his anticipation to converse with Shohei Ohtani at the All-Star Game.
He disclosed his efforts to learn Japanese to engage with Ohtani. pic.twitter.com/rXFJDp35gz
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 7, 2024
De La Cruz, having faced language challenges himself as English is not his native tongue, understands the importance of language acquisition. He previously held a press conference entirely in English to showcase his commitment to learning and growth.
While mastering Japanese by the upcoming All-Star Game may be ambitious, Ohtani’s proficiency in English offers a potential avenue for communication. De La Cruz is prepared to absorb knowledge from Ohtani, a two-time MVP, with or without a translator.
MORE: How fast is Elly De La Cruz?
Cincinnati Reds supporters might raise eyebrows at De La Cruz’s admiration for the Dodgers and Los Angeles. De La Cruz once attributed his stellar performance at Dodger Stadium to his affinity for the city, referring to it as “his city.”
In May, he remarked, “Oh, that’s because this is my city. You already know this is my city, though.”
De La Cruz’s fondness for Los Angeles stems from it being the first U.S. city he visited and his familiarity with it from playing Grand Theft Auto. Despite his praise for Los Angeles, Reds fans continue to support De La Cruz, especially after his remarkable June resurgence following a slump in May, leading to his maiden All-Star selection.
Considering the competitive Los Angeles market, some concerns may arise among Reds fans about the possibility of the Dodgers attracting De La Cruz in the future, given his free agency status after the 2029 season. Ohtani, on the other hand, will still be under contract with the Dodgers for four more years at that juncture.
For now, De La Cruz remains focused on representing Cincinnati at the All-Star Game, with potential future All-Star appearances on the horizon.