Elly De La Cruz’s Direct Message to Austin Hays Sparks Rangers With Reds Slug
September 1, 2025 What began as a simple gesture of respect quickly turned into a wave of inspiration when Cincinnati Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz sent a heartfelt direct message to veteran outfielder Austin Hays, a moment that carried energy all the way into the Texas Rangers’ clubhouse.
De La Cruz, known for his electric play and larger-than-life presence, paused to spotlight Hays’ recent heroics especially his clutch, go-ahead home run that ended the Reds’ losing streak. He described Hays as “a brother in this game, someone who lifts his team with courage and perfect timing.”
Those words traveled far beyond Great American Ball Park. In Arlington, Rangers players quickly picked up on the message, praising De La Cruz not only for his talent but also for his willingness to celebrate the success of others while staying focused on his own journey.
“That’s the love of baseball right there,” one Rangers insider noted. “Elly shining a light on Austin shows it’s bigger than stats it’s about brotherhood. That kind of respect fuels us too.”
The Reds’ “slug moment” Hays’ pivotal homer has already become a rallying point for Cincinnati’s clubhouse and fans. With De La Cruz amplifying it, the moment grew into something larger: a symbol of unity across teams.
As both clubs battle toward October, the Reds and Rangers now share a common spark proof that sometimes the strongest motivation doesn’t just come from the diamond, but from players recognizing greatness in each other.
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