A Letter Opened by Elly De La Cruz
To the whole Cincinnati community, the Cincinnati Reds, and our amazing supporters,
With a heart full of gratitude and admiration, I am writing this letter to thank you for all of the opportunities, love, and support you have given me. It has been an amazing adventure, and I owe each and every one of you so much for my achievement and personal development.
I was welcomed into the Reds organization from the beginning, and I was surrounded by a family that was committed to helping me reach my full potential as a player. My teammates, coaches, and staff have all provided me with support and motivation, encouraging me to aim for excellence each and every day. You have shown unshakable devotion to my growth, and I will always be appreciative of your faith in me.
Our incredible fans have shown us nothing but incredible support. Your enthusiasm and dedication inspire me to provide my best performance, whether it’s through the inspiring remarks on social media or the exhilarating energy at Great American Ball Park. Nothing compares to the sound of the throng and the sea of crimson that fills the stands—it’s an experience that words cannot express. Cincinnati has become home to me because of you, and I’m honored to represent you both on and off the field.
I also want to express my gratitude to the Cincinnati community as a whole. I will never forget the warmth and generosity you showed me. Your encouragement and support, from the neighborhood shops that proudly hang Reds memorabilia to the fans who stop me in the street to give me words of wisdom, have served as a constant reminder of how lucky I am to live in this city. You have created a setting that supports persons as well as athletes, giving them a feeling of purpose and belonging.
There have been many obstacles and victories along the way, and I am looking forward to what lies ahead. I’m determined to give this team and this city everything I’ve got in an effort to make Reds fans happy and proud. It is an honor to be traveling with you, and I know that we can do great things together.
I appreciate your confidence in me, your steadfast support, and your contribution to Cincinnati being a place where dreams come true. With all of you, I’m looking forward to many more seasons of development, achievement, and treasured memories.
With sincere appreciation and deference,
Elly De La Cruz
(#44)Cincinnati Reds’