A country superstar got some batting practice in with Elly de la Cruz during the MLB Speedway Classic. Tim McGraw was seen hitting a few balls with the Reds shortstop in a social media post. McGraw performed at the pregame concert for a special game between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves at Bristol Motor Speedway August 2.

In being named to the 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta (July 15, 8 p.m.), De La Cruz joins a long list of Reds to make multiple All-Star Game appearances. It's a list that started with Ernie Lombardi, who became a repeat Reds All-Star when he made his second Midsummer Classic appearance in 1937.

Late in Friday's 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves. Reds' infielder Elly De La Cruz struck out on swinging and his bat went flying into the net. Not only did it hit the net, but the bat was struck in the net.

The Speedway Classic did not quite live up to its lofty expectations, but that doesn't mean players still didn't make the most of it.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz has emerged as a superstar, and while he won't be a free agent until 2029, the organization would assuredly love to sign him to a long-term extension well before then.

Cincinnati Reds All-Star Elly De La Cruz is finding new ways to step up to the plate and deliver to fans off the field.

"That is going to be interesting," Barry Larkin said during the broadcast. "Can they start to play with this (bat) hanging in the net?"