MLB fans were so impressed after Elly De La Cruz decided to hold his entire press conference in English

There is arguably no sport more difficult to play at a high level professionally than baseball. Now, imagine having to do that while also trying to master a new language.

That’s what Reds star Elly De La Cruz did this offseason.

De La Cruz, who grew up in the Dominican Republic, spent last season conducting his interviews in Spanish with an interpreter. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that as players shouldn’t be forced to speak to the media in a second language. Still, De La Cruz set out this offseason to really work on his English. We saw that in action during Wednesday’s press conference as he held the entire session in English.

His reasoning for that was especially cool.

De La Cruz said that he viewed learning English as an important step to connect with Reds fans. He wanted to break that language barrier, so he can understand the fans and also be able to speak to them directly (or through the media).

De La Cruz added that he put a lot of work towards his English and spent time practicing with his English-speaking teammates. That effort has clearly paid off, and MLB fans loved to see that from Elly.