![Reds’ Elly De La Cruz Honors Late Sister With Emotional Tribute After Hitting A Home Run vs. Cubs [VIDEO]](https://www.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Elly-De-La-Cruz-1024x563.jpg)
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz took the field Sunday with a heavy heart. Less than 24 hours after the death of his sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez, De La Cruz stayed in the lineup against the Chicago Cubs and honored her memory with a touching home run tribute at Wrigley Field.
De La Cruz sent a two-run homer into the left-field stands in the sixth inning, with the Reds trailing 5-0. As he crossed home plate, he pointed to the sky and formed a heart with his hands. His cleats bore the message “RIP Manita,” and his cap was marked with “RIP Genelis.”
Watch the video here:
Elly De La Cruz decided to play today after the passing of his sister.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 1, 2025
After hitting this home run, he pointed to the sky and made a heart gesture. 🫶
(via @mlb)pic.twitter.com/KYEtEqJn2y
Notably, his 50th career home run made him the fifth-youngest Red to reach that milestone.
Reds Suffer 7-3 Loss Against Cubs
De La Cruz finished the game 2-for-3 with a walk, scoring two of the Reds’ three runs in a 7-3 loss to the Cubs. He singled in the first inning and drew a walk in the ninth.
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Reds manager Terry Francona said the team gave De La Cruz space to make his own call. “We just told him we will support whatever he needs to do. He wants to play today and then we’ll go from there,” Francona said pregame.
Postgame, Francona reflected on the moment: “We care so much about playing the game and winning. But in a hurry, you’re reminded of what’s really important. I think everybody kind of kept their head on a swivel with him today, just trying to take care of him.”
The Reds will look to regroup as they continue their road trip. Starting Monday, they face a crucial series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Also Read: Camera Caught San Diego Padres Fans Throwing Fists In Wild Fight During Loss To Pittsburgh Pirates
