Fashion statements at the All-Star Game usually center around designer suits and flashy accessories, but Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz had something far more meaningful stitched into his metallic pink ensemble. Want to guess what made his red carpet moment so special? Well, you know, it wasn’t just about looking good, it was about honoring someone who meant everything to him.
The 23-year-old Dominican superstar stepped onto the red carpet carrying the memory of his late sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez, who passed away in June after an extended battle with health issues. The bond between the siblings was incredibly tight, and her sudden departure left a profound impact on the young All-Star. And it makes sense why he’d want to keep her close during one of baseball’s biggest moments–family always comes first for De La Cruz.
Elly stepped on the All-Star red carpet in a custom suit featuring a deeply personal message that spoke volumes about his character. The jacket bore the Spanish inscription “Te quiero, manita,” which translates to “I love you, little sister,” alongside the Dominican Republic flag and his nickname “La Cocoa” stitched below it.
The metallic pink finish wasn’t just a style choice. It was a canvas for love, loss, and remembrance, all rolled into one striking outfit that caught everyone’s attention for all the right reasons.
This wasn’t the first time De La Cruz had honored his sister’s memory on baseball’s biggest stage. Back in June, just one day after learning of Genelis’s passing, he made the difficult decision to play against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. In his third at-bat, he launched a two-run home run and, after rounding the bases, pointed to the sky and made a heart gesture. It was a raw, emotional tribute that had fans and teammates in tears.
Well, you know what they say about playing with a heavy heart, but De La Cruz proved that sometimes the best way to honor those we’ve lost is to keep doing what they’d want us to do, and that authentic spirit shines through in everything he does.
Elly De La Cruz gets real about fashion and life
Speaking of doing what feels right, De La Cruz’s red carpet confidence wasn’t just about the tribute; it reflected his genuine personality. Want to know what makes someone so comfortable in their skin? Well, when reporters asked if he enjoyed the red carpet experience, his response was refreshingly honest: “I had some more fun.” That’s the kind of authenticity that makes athletes relatable.
But here’s where it gets interesting: his everyday wardrobe couldn’t be more different from that stunning metallic pink ensemble. “I got a lot of sweat, sweatsuit,” he admitted when asked about his off-day attire. The contrast is pretty striking, right? From high-fashion tributes to comfortable sweatsuits, De La Cruz keeps things real.
Image: MLB.com
His approach to fashion mirrors his baseball philosophy perfectly. Just like he told reporters, “I like to play every day, like be healthy to play every single day. I don’t like being out of the lineup.”
Whether it’s showing up on the red carpet or stepping into the batter’s box, De La Cruz brings the same consistent energy and authenticity that make him such an interesting figure in baseball. And through it all, you can bet his sister would be proud of the man he’s become–someone who honors her memory not just in grand gestures, but in the everyday choice to stay true to himself.
The post MLB All-Star Game: Elly De La Cruz Pays Touching Tribute to Late Sister With Heartfelt Red Carpet Gesture appeared first on EssentiallySports.