Elly De La Cruz's relay throw against the Los Angeles Dodgers may have earned a place among the greatest throws in Major League Baseball history.
The Cincinnati Reds shortstop shocked the baseball community after he unleashed what was initially reported as a 105.3 mph relay throw against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Cruz's feat stopped Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernández from what looked like a secured inside-the-park home run at Dodgers Stadium.
STATCAST SAYS THIS THROW FROM ELLY WAS 105.3 MPH... pic.twitter.com/4SS32476ff
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 9, 2026
"That was one of the better throws you'll ever see. I mean ever," Reds Manager Terry Francona told The Enquirer.
Francona added that the clip of Cruz may one day be shown alongside those from Dave Parker and
Roberto Clemente, both named on an MLB list of top 10 throws in league history.
STATCAST SAYS THIS THROW FROM ELLY WAS 105.3 MPH... pic.twitter.com/4SS32476ff
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 9, 2026
Statcast initially reported the throw as 105.3 mph, but then pulled the number down for lack of verification, The Enquirer previously reported. De La Cruz told The Enquirer he had thought his speed was closer to 98 or 99 mph.
If De La Cruz did throw 105.3 pmh, it would be the hardest throw by a fielder this season, according to The Athletic.
Regardless, the throw is memorable.
The Reds lost against the Dodgers 3-2. They will finish the series on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 10:10 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Watch Elly De La Cruz unleash jaw-dropping throw during Dodgers game
