Athletes from around the globe play in the NBA, many of them are stars. Before their respective careers began, they had spent little or no time in America, yet they speak English and do not need an interpreter for interviews.
If you want proof that demographics in the United States are changing, consider the fact that in 1980, 1 in 10 Americans spoke a second language in the home. According to the 2020 Census, that number is now up to 1 in 5, with the second language often being English and the first being Spanish.
Most Latino baseball stars speak multiple languages. Some, including Tampa Bay star and former St. Louis Cardinal, Randy Arozarena, use an interpreter for interviews.
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB’s highest paid player in history, knows some English but must rely on an interpreter. His longtime friend and former interpreter has Ohtani knee-deep in a gambling scandal and is under investigation. I’m sure Ohtani is now learning many new words.
I don’t think speaking English should be necessary for athletes in American professional sports leagues. However, when an athlete puts forth the effort to learn, he or she should be applauded.
Which brings me to Cincinnati Reds star shortstop Elly De La Cruz.
During the offseason, De La Cruz dedicated himself to not only baseball but also learning to speak English. He completed his first full press conference without an interpreter last week and he eloquently explained the rationale for his endeavor.
“It’s so important to me because now you guys understand what I say, and it’s important to understand me, and me understand the fans,” De La Cruz said.
“I put a lot of work on my English to talk with you guys [reporters], and I think I’m doing a good job.”
OK, I must admit I was moved by his words and the innocent smile he wore while speaking to them. I wasn’t alone. When he completed that first answer, there were a few seconds of silence from reporters. It wasn’t shock. It was respect and adulation.
They, like me, wanted to give the kid a hug. Again, this is not about learning English. This is a congratulatory message to De La Cruz for taking the time and effort to better communicate with teammates and fans.
“The way he listens and learns; it’s amazing. I can’t relate to that, the courage that that takes,” Reds manager David Bell said of De La Cruz’ dedication to self-improvement by mastering a new language.
“It’s just beyond anything I’ve had to deal with. It’s impressive.”
The Reid Roundup
The Iowa vs. LSU NCAA Women’s Tournament East Regional Final featuring Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese drew an estimated audience of more than 7 million viewers…I was in a Kirkwood restaurant during the first half of that game, and you would have thought that Clark was from St. Louis when she hit a basket…I like Reese, a lot; however she needs to drop the ‘woe is me’ attitude and appreciate her great life and future. Sure, there are haters and threats. And oh yes, a lot of it is race based. Turn those frowns upside down, Angel…Congrats to the SLU Billikens for reaching the Women’s National Invitational Tournament semifinals with a victory Monday over Wisconsin. Kyla McMakin paced SLU with 18 points. The Lady Bills played at Vermont on Wednesday night with a championship berth on the line…When the final seconds ticked off the clock of North Carolina State’s Midwest Regional Final win over Duke, coach Kevin Keats finally displayed a smile. His team has run off nine straight wins and reached the Final Four in Phoenix. Not bad for a guy that was probably going to be fired before the historic run…A car registered to KC Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was allegedly street racing in the Dallas area with another vehicle. A crash involving up to four other cars ensued. The occupants of the racing vehicles fled on foot. Rice has retained counsel. I hereby charge him with one count of stupidity.
