Reds’ Longest Homers of 2024: #8 – Elly De La Cruz
In a season filled with explosive talent and unforgettable moments, the Cincinnati Reds’ 2024 campaign has been defined by some of the most remarkable home runs in Major League Baseball. Among the stars of this power-packed season is Elly De La Cruz, the Reds’ phenom, whose raw athleticism and dynamic presence on the field have captivated fans. His power, speed, and overall skill set have made him one of the most exciting young players in the league, and one of the standout moments of the 2024 season was his rocket of a home run that ranks as the 8th longest homer of the season for the Reds.
This home run exemplifies the extraordinary talent that De La Cruz brings to the plate and provides insight into what makes him such a special player. From his towering blasts to his ability to hit the ball with incredible velocity, De La Cruz is quickly making a name for himself as one of the premier power hitters in the game today.
A Glimpse Into Elly De La Cruz’s Power
Before delving into the specifics of this legendary home run, it’s essential to understand the context of Elly De La Cruz’s power and why he is so widely regarded as one of the most exciting young players in MLB. A product of the Reds’ minor league system, De La Cruz’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. His combination of size, speed, and pure strength gives him a unique edge that few players in MLB possess.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 200 pounds, De La Cruz blends his physicality with exceptional bat speed, which enables him to consistently hit for both power and average. His ability to generate exit velocities that rival some of the most powerful hitters in baseball is why he’s earned a reputation as one of the premier slugging talents in the game. His natural athleticism, coupled with his ability to barrel up the baseball, has made him an absolute nightmare for pitchers, particularly when he’s locked in.
His 2024 season has been a breakout year, with De La Cruz hitting several long home runs that have left fans in awe. His towering, majestic blasts have become a symbol of the future of Cincinnati baseball, as the Reds have positioned themselves to compete with some of the league’s best teams. His home run, which ranks as the 8th longest of the season, is just one of the many examples of his potential to change the course of a game with a single swing.
The Home Run: Date, Pitch, and Location
On July 25, 2024, Elly De La Cruz delivered one of the most memorable home runs of the season. Facing a 95 mph fastball from Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider, De La Cruz took an aggressive swing that sent the ball flying into the stands in left-center field. The moment was electric, as the ball soared through the air with an exit velocity of 115 mph and a launch angle of 22 degrees, giving it the ideal trajectory to clear the outfield wall.
This particular blast was hit during a late-game matchup between the Reds and the Braves at Great American Ball Park, a venue that has seen its fair share of monstrous home runs over the years. The distance? A jaw-dropping 472 feet. The ball traveled over the wall in left-center field, just a few feet to the right of the Reds’ bullpen, setting off a raucous celebration in the stadium. The blast was not only a spectacle in its own right but also served as a key moment in the game, as it put the Reds ahead by two runs, giving them a commanding lead late in the contest.
The sheer distance of the home run was remarkable, but what made it even more incredible was the manner in which De La Cruz powered the ball out of the park. He managed to get every inch of the pitch, turning it into a ball that defied expectations. It was an example of De La Cruz’s ability to square up fastballs from some of the league’s hardest throwers, something that has become a hallmark of his game.
The Swing: How De La Cruz Generates His Power
One of the most fascinating aspects of Elly De La Cruz’s home run prowess is his swing mechanics. He possesses an incredibly compact and powerful swing, which allows him to consistently make solid contact with the ball. While his long limbs and physical stature could cause him to have a swing that is too long or slow, De La Cruz has managed to perfect his timing and mechanics, making him a highly efficient hitter despite his size.
What separates De La Cruz from many other power hitters in the league is his ability to make contact with pitches all over the strike zone. This particular home run against Strider is a perfect example of that. Strider’s fastball was located on the inside half of the plate, a pitch that many hitters would struggle to pull with authority. Yet, De La Cruz’s quick hands and ability to rotate his hips allowed him to turn on the pitch and launch it deep into the stands.
His swing path is one of the main reasons he can consistently produce such high exit velocities. His uppercut swing provides him with the ability to get under the ball and drive it in the air, making his power output particularly potent. This allows him to take advantage of pitches in the zone while also making him dangerous on any pitch he’s able to handle.
The Mentality Behind the Home Run
For De La Cruz, hitting home runs like this one is a combination of approach, discipline, and raw athleticism. His ability to read pitchers and make adjustments to their offerings is part of what makes him so dangerous. Against a pitcher like Spencer Strider, who is known for his ability to generate strikeouts with his fastball, De La Cruz’s calmness at the plate and patience stood out.
In the at-bat leading up to the home run, De La Cruz had already shown he was comfortable handling Strider’s speed. He had made contact with a couple of fastballs earlier in the count and had shown his ability to stay on top of high-velocity pitches. By the time Strider came back with the 95 mph fastball, De La Cruz had already figured out the pitcher’s tendencies. It was in that moment that De La Cruz unleashed his full power, a decision that resulted in one of the longest home runs of the Reds’ 2024 season.
This home run was just one example of the kind of mature approach De La Cruz has shown throughout his young career. While he’s known for his raw strength and ability to hit long balls, he’s also become a much more selective hitter, picking his spots and ensuring that he’s taking advantage of pitchers’ mistakes. It’s this combination of patience and explosiveness that has allowed him to evolve into one of the most feared hitters in the game.
The Reaction: A Moment of Glory
When the ball finally cleared the outfield wall, the reaction from the Reds’ dugout and the fans in the stands was one of pure excitement. The ball had traveled so far, and it was hit with such force that it was clear from the moment it left De La Cruz’s bat that it was destined for the seats. His teammates erupted in celebration, while the fans at Great American Ball Park jumped to their feet in unison, acknowledging the incredible feat they had just witnessed.
The moment was not only significant for the Reds’ victory in that game but also for the team’s development as a whole. De La Cruz’s homer symbolized a moment when the club, often overshadowed by bigger-market teams, was beginning to establish itself as a legitimate contender. The Reds were no longer just a team with potential—they were now a team with the kind of firepower to compete at the highest level.
The Long-Term Impact: Elly De La Cruz’s Home Run Legacy
As we look forward to the future, it’s clear that Elly De La Cruz’s towering home run on July 25, 2024, will go down as one of the most iconic moments of his early career. But this home run is only a small glimpse into what lies ahead for this young star. Given his age, talent, and relentless work ethic, it’s likely that more records will be broken and even longer home runs will be hit in the seasons to come.
De La Cruz is quickly becoming the face of the Reds’ franchise, and his power-packed performances are igniting a new generation of fans in Cincinnati and beyond. For a team that has been in rebuild mode for several seasons, having a player like De La Cruz is a rare and valuable commodity.
In the broader context of baseball, De La Cruz is positioning himself as one of the most dynamic and exciting players to watch, and his 472-foot home run in 2024 will be remembered as just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. As long as he continues to develop his swing and refine his approach, he has the potential to hit even more long bombs that leave fans and pitchers alike in awe.
