Editor’s note: This story was initially published in 2022. With Reds’ top prospect Elly De La Cruz getting called up to MLB on Tuesday heading into the Reds game against the Dodgers, it has been updated to reflect his journey to the Reds’ big league roster.
Elly De La Cruz was taking batting practice at the Cincinnati Reds’ spring training complex. With every home run swing, the pendant with his mother's photo twirled around his neck as he powered 400-foot line drives over the fence in center field.
It's there because it reminds him of all of the times he doubted he could make it to the big leagues.