History of Elly De La Cruz in Timeline

Elly De La Cruz, nicknamed "La Cocoa", is a Dominican professional baseball shortstop currently playing for the Cincinnati Reds in MLB. He signed with the Reds as an international free agent in 2018 and quickly ascended to the major leagues, making his MLB debut in 2023. His impressive performance led to his selection for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, marking a significant achievement in his young career.

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Full Timeline Success & Recognition

1900: Fifth Player Since 1900

On August 21, 2024, Elly De La Cruz became the fifth AL/NL player since 1900 and the first shortstop ever in Major League history to hit at least 20 home runs and steal 60 bases in a season.

1919: First Reds Player to Steal Second, Third, and Home

On July 8, Elly De La Cruz became the first Reds player since Greasy Neale in 1919 to steal second, third, and home in the same inning.

1972: Youngest to Hit for the Cycle

In a game against the Atlanta Braves on June 23, 2023, Elly De La Cruz hit for the cycle; he became the youngest player to do so since César Cedeño in 1972.

January 11, 2002: Elly De La Cruz Born

On January 11, 2002, Elly Antonio De La Cruz, nicknamed "La Cocoa", was born. He later became a Dominican professional baseball shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Others born on this day/year

2012: Suzuki's Record

On May 16, 2024, Elly De La Cruz became the first MLB player since Ichiro Suzuki in 2012 to record four hits and four stolen bases in a single game.

2013: George Springer's Minor League Season

In 2022, Elly De La Cruz was the first minor league player since George Springer in 2013 to bat .300 with at least 25 home runs and 40 stolen bases.

2015: Breaks Stolen Base Record

On July 8, 2024, De La Cruz stole his 44th and 45th stolen bases against the Colorado Rockies, thus setting a new record for most stolen bases by a Reds player prior to the All-Star break. The record was previously held by Billy Hamilton who stole 44 before the All-Star break back in 2015.

July 2, 2018: Signed with Cincinnati Reds

On July 2, 2018, Elly De La Cruz signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an international free agent and received a $65,000 signing bonus.

2018: Signed with the Reds

In 2018, Elly De La Cruz signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an international free agent.

2019: Professional Debut

In 2019, Elly De La Cruz made his professional debut with the Dominican Summer League Reds at 17 years of age, hitting .285/.351/.382 with one home run in 43 games.

2020: Season Cancellation

In 2020, Elly De La Cruz did not play in a game due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Plays in Arizona Complex League and Daytona Tortugas

In 2021, Elly De La Cruz played for the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Reds and Single-A Daytona Tortugas, batting .296 with eight home runs and 10 stolen bases in 61 games. Baseball America recognized him as the best player in the Arizona Complex League.

November 15, 2022: Added to Reds 40-man Roster

On November 15, 2022, the Cincinnati Reds added Elly De La Cruz to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

June 6, 2023: Promoted to Major Leagues

On June 6, 2023, Elly De La Cruz was promoted to the major leagues for the first time following an injury to Nick Senzel.

2023: Sophomore Campaign Statistics

Compared to his stats from 2023, over the course of his sophomore campaign, Elly De La Cruz nearly doubled his amount of home runs and stolen bases—racking up 25 and 67 respectively, with increases in batting average, OBP, SLG, and OPS.

2023: MLB Debut

In 2023, Elly De La Cruz made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut for the Cincinnati Reds.

2023: Optioned to Louisville Bats

In 2023, Elly De La Cruz was optioned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats. He hit .298 with 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 38 games for Louisville.

2023: Fastest Players in MLB

In 2023, Statcast tracked Elly De La Cruz and Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals as the fastest players in Major League Baseball in terms of sprint speed: they averaged 30.5 feet per second.

May 16, 2024: Four Hits and Four Stolen Bases

On May 16, 2024, Elly De La Cruz became the first MLB player since Ichiro Suzuki in 2012 to record four hits and four stolen bases in a single game, playing against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

July 7, 2024: Named All-Star Reserve

On July 7, 2024, Elly De La Cruz was named as a reserve player in the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

August 21, 2024: 20 Home Runs and 60 Stolen Bases

On August 21, 2024, Elly De La Cruz became the fifth AL/NL player since 1900 and the first shortstop ever in Major League history to hit at least 20 home runs and steal 60 bases in a season when he stole his 60th base of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays.

2024: MLB All-Star Selection

In 2024, Elly De La Cruz was selected for the MLB All-Star Game.

January 28, 2025: Cover Athlete for MLB The Show 25

On January 28, 2025, Elly De La Cruz was announced as a cover athlete for MLB The Show 25, becoming the first Reds player to be a cover athlete for an MLB: The Show title.

May 11, 2025: Extra Base Hits and Stolen Bases Record

On May 11, 2025, Elly De La Cruz became the first player in Major League history with 115 extra base hits and 115 stolen bases through his first 300 games since 1900, hitting a three-run home run against the Houston Astros.