Dominican Elly De La Cruz revealed that he is trying to learn Japanese so he can talk to Shohei Ohtani at the All-Star Game

The 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be held on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Texas. Players already seem eager to play this midseason game.

Especially the Dominican of the Cincinnati Reds, Elly De La Cruz, who seems to have an extra motivation for this All-Star Game and his name is Shohei Ohtani.

The 22-year-old shortstop recently said at a press conference that he is even taking some classes to learn Japanese so he can speak to Shohei Ohtani during the All-Star Game.

“I’m learning Japanese to try to speak with Shohei. I don’t know if I’ll learn, but I’m trying,” the Dominican recently commented.

This initiative by Elly De La Cruz to learn, at least the basics, of the Japanese language was born because Ohtani, after six years in the Major Leagues, still does not speak English and only communicates in his native language with the help of a translator.

So the Dominican shortstop for the Reds is looking to make a gesture to his teammate and hold a conversation with him in his native language.

Elly De La Cruz and her commitment to English

One of the keys to having a better stay in the Major Leagues is to master the English language, something that undoubtedly makes it easier for players when playing with their respective franchises.

De La Cruz, at just 22 years old, held his first press conference 100% in English on March 29 before the start of the 2024 season.

The Dominican said he is committed and is trying hard to learn the language. “I have put a lot of effort into my English to be able to speak with you and I think I am doing well,” he explained.

He also stressed the importance of being able to communicate in English. “It is very important for me because now you understand what I say, and it is important that the fans understand me and I understand the fans,” said the Reds player.

Keep reading:
· Raúl Mondesí sentenced to six years in prison in the Dominican Republic
· Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Clay Holmes will represent the Yankees at the 2024 All-Star Game
· Aaron Judge repeats as American League player of the month