Watching Elly De La Cruz has been a treat for baseball fans. For a Reds legend, it’s an absolute delight.
Elly De La Cruz has taken the league by storm since getting called up. A five-tool player, he’s done it all for the rising Reds, with his speed being perhaps his most tantalizing skill. He stole all three bases in one inning Saturday, perhaps his most impressive moment of what's been a memorable 30-game start for the 21-year-old.
De La Cruz is shaping up to be one of the best players the Reds have had in years. Cincinnati legend Johnny Bench told The DA Show on Wednesday that he’s enjoyed watching the young infielder.
“That’s why I love baseball so much these days, the excitement of these young guys and the talent they have,” Bench said. “This kid, I love the way he wants to play, the excitement with which he plays. And it’s contagious. This ballclub was already starting to develop with some of these young players … but this is contagious.
“This kid, now I’m watching him playing shortstop, it looks like Ron Hansen back in 1962. He’s 6-foot-6 and he’s catching balls over his shoulder and he’s stealing three bases, and it’s so exciting.
“The Cincinnati Reds, which went from having 7-, 8-, 10-thousand people a game – now I tried to get a ticket the other day for a friend of mine and they said no, there are only single tickets and they are in left field. I mean, this is awesome. This is really good for the town.”
De La Cruz’s emergence comes amid a breakout season for the Reds. Initially predicted to sit near the bottom of the National League Central, the Reds went into the All-Star break atop the division with a 50-41 record.
Suffice to say there’s plenty for Bench to enjoy about his former team right now.
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