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The Cincinnati Reds are trending this Spring Training session for a few wacky on-field visuals. The team is gearing up for the 2024 season after posting a surprising 82-80 overall record the year prior.
While that wouldn’t result in any postseason appearances, it did represent an incredible 20-game swing in the win department from a ’23 campaign in which Cincy was 62-100.
With that said, the mood is a positive one this offseason as the Reds hope to continue that improvement with a young core of stars.
Pitcher Hunter Greene and infielder Elly De La Cruz headline that group, and on Tuesday, they were involved in a hilarious situation that ended in vehicular damage.
This is hard to believe. This Elly De La Cruz foul ball during live BP off Hunter Greene smashed the rear driver’s side window of Greene’s luxury SUV. “You’re paying for it” Greene said. EDLC’s answer? “You make more than me.” pic.twitter.com/JlCI8wxPsL
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) February 20, 2024
With De La Cruz taking a live BP session against the pitcher, the shortstop fouled a delivery back behind the screen. That ball sailed into the parking lot where it finally landed on Greene’s SUV window.
“You’re paying for it,” the pitcher quipped before De La Cruz responded, “You make more than me!”
It wasn’t the first viral moment at Reds Spring Training!
Earlier in the week, Cincinnati catchers were seen working on the art of making a play at the plate. It’s a tricky one that requires keeping an eye on both the baseball and the baserunner, all while having awareness of your position on the field.
Close enough to the plate while still allowing a path for the baserunner.
It’s a tough play to make in bang-bang situations, yet a crucial one that can be the difference in a game. For that reason, the Reds were seen working on technique – though in a very interesting way!
As catchers fielded throws to the plate, coaches pulled a small stuffed object to mimic a baserunner barreling into home. The visual was hilarious.
No stuffed animals were harmed in the making of this film. pic.twitter.com/9MU30ERqF1
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) February 19, 2024
Odd yet effective!
The Reds are doing all they can to better themselves this Spring Training session. Opening Day kicks off on March 28th when Cincinnati hosts Washington.