In Photos: Elly De La Cruz rocks custom pink Louis Vuitton Jordan cleats for his All-Star Game debut
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz grabbed attention yet again with his foot, only this time not for his speed but for the cleats. The MLB's stolen bases leader wore custom pink Louis Vuitton Jordan cleats to capture attention at the MLB All-Star game on Tuesday, July 16, at Globe Life Field.
During the live broadcast, play-by-play announcer Joe Davis and analyst John Smoltz wanted Elly De La Cruz to put the custom cleats to work and elevate the atmosphere by stealing a base.
"And with those shoes, no less? Put them to work!" Davis said during the broadcast.
However, after reaching on base on a single, the Reds star didn't attempt a steal before being left stranded in the seventh inning.
Elly De La Cruz, who is in his sophomore season in the majors, made his maiden All-Star selection and put the league on notice, especially with his base-stealing abilities. The shortstop is batting .256 with 17 homers, 46 steals and an .830 OPS going into the All-Star break. According to MLB.com, he averages 30.1 feet per second on the basepath.
Elly De La Cruz finally gets to meet his favorite player
On Monday, ahead of the MLB Home Run Derby, Elly De La Cruz was excited to be present in the company of the FOX Sports crew, including Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Kevin Burkhardt. Among them, De La Cruz wanted to meet his favorite player, Jeter.
"I grew up as a Jeter fan. He was my favorite player growing up," De La Cruz said.
"Thank you," Jeter replied. "I appreciate that. Thank you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," De La Cruz added.
The two then shook hands to make the moment memorable. During the interview, Jeter asked why De La Cruz was learning English, to which the Dominican native replied:
"I would like everybody here in the USA to understand what I say, and to send the message to all the kids in the Dominican that they can do it too."
Elly De La Cruz and the NL lost the MLB All-Star Game 5-3.