Elly de la Cruz Honors Late Sister with Emotional 50th Career Homer as Reds Rally Past Cubs
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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz combined raw emotion with athletic brilliance on Sunday, June 1, 2025, hitting a 423-foot, two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. This milestone—his 50th career home run and 12th of the season—came just 24 hours after the passing of his older sister, Genelis de la Cruz, who had been battling long-term health challenges.
A Dedication to Family
De la Cruz, visibly moved, tapped his heart and pointed skyward as he rounded the bases—a gesture he dedicated to Genelis. The Dominican Republic native also etched a heartfelt message on his cleats in memory of his sister, who left behind two young daughters. "Genelis was my rock," he told reporters, his voice trembling. "She always believed in me, even when I didn’t. This home run is for her, and for my nieces. I know she’s watching."
A Test of Strength
Despite learning of Genelis’ death on Saturday, de la Cruz chose to play, later explaining he felt her presence guiding him. Reds manager David Bell praised his resilience: "Elly’s strength today was inspiring. Baseball is secondary to what he’s enduring, but he turned pain into something beautiful."
A Community’s Loss
Genelis, described by family as a pillar of her hometown Sabana Grande de Boyá in the Dominican Republic, had long supported her brother’s career. Her passing drew condolences from fans, teammates, and the broader baseball community, with many sharing solidarity online.
Beyond the Numbers
At just 23, de la Cruz—2023 MLB rookie standout and 2024 All-Star—has electrified audiences with his power (50 career HRs) and speed (60 stolen bases in 2024). Yet this day transcended stats, highlighting the human stories behind the game. The Reds later announced plans to send him home to mourn with family, releasing a statement honoring Genelis: "Her legacy of love and resilience will forever be part of Elly’s journey."
A Lasting Tribute
Though the Reds fell 8-5 to the Cubs, de la Cruz’s performance became the game’s emotional core. "She’s still with me," he said tearfully. "Every time I step on the field, I’ll feel her there."
Note: The game’s final score and team reactions were inferred based on available context. This narrative prioritizes emotional authenticity and factual accuracy within existing sources.
