Elly De La Cruz has become a name to watch in the Major League Baseball (MLB) universe. During a game in Toronto, the Reds' young shortstop swiped his 60th base of the season, cementing his spot among MLB's elite. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz leads the majors in stolen bases and has joined an extremely exclusive club, having achieved at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. This rare feat places him among Hall of Famers and MVPs who have defined excellence in the sport.
A Member of an Exclusive Club
The "20-60 club," which includes only a handful of players, welcomes De La Cruz as its newest member. This notable list features some of baseball's most iconic names, such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Elly De La Cruz’s inclusion in this group underscores an extraordinary blend of power and speed rarely seen in the game.
Rickey Henderson, the legendary outfielder, accomplished the 20-60 milestone multiple times throughout his illustrious career. Henderson is often celebrated for his unparalleled base-stealing abilities and holds the single-season stolen base record. In the 1970s, Joe Morgan, another 20-60 club member, redefined the second baseman position by merging power with speed, contributing significantly to his teams' successes. Ronald Acuña Jr., the most recent addition to the club before De La Cruz, accomplished the feat in 2023, demonstrating the enduring value of this rare combination of skills.
A Historic Achievement in Context
The 2024 season has been particularly remarkable for De La Cruz. With his 60th stolen base, he has also hit 21 home runs. These accomplishments highlight a season that will be etched in the annals of baseball history. In total, there have been only eight seasons in MLB's long history where a player has reached the 20-60 milestone, and five of those instances belong to Hall of Famers.
The rarity of such an achievement is accentuated by the long gap since the 80-steal mark was last reached, which dates back to 1988 when Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman accomplished it. Elly De La Cruz is well on his way to reminding fans of a time when base-stealing was a more frequent and thrilling aspect of the game.
A Comeback Story
Adding another layer to his extraordinary achievement, De La Cruz had not successfully stolen a base since August 8th before he clinched his 60th. This brief dry spell makes his comeback even more commendable, showcasing his resilience and determination. The fact that he broke this streak to hit such a significant milestone speaks volumes about his focus and dedication.
On August 21st, 2024, this achievement placed De La Cruz at the pinnacle of the stolen base leaderboard in the majors. This milestone isn't just a personal achievement but also a major highlight for the Cincinnati Reds, demonstrating the team's dynamic talent and competitive edge.
Looking Back and Ahead
Elly De La Cruz's addition to the 20-60 club brings attention not just to his individual talent but also to the storied past of the players who have previously achieved this feat. Joe Morgan, for example, won the MVP in 1976, while Rickey Henderson claimed the title in 1990. Ronald Acuña Jr., the most recent MVP, earned the honor in 2023. These achievements provided pivotal moments for these players, defining their careers as among the best in baseball history.
De La Cruz's accomplishment in the 2024 season is a promising sign for the future of the Reds and for baseball as a whole. As young players continue to emerge with a combination of power and speed, the game may witness a resurgence in such dynamic play styles.
Elly De La Cruz has captured the attention of baseball aficionados and casual fans alike. His 60th stolen base of the season, accompanied by an impressive home run tally, reinforces his status as one of the most exciting players in the league today. There's no doubt that future seasons will bring more milestones and record-breaking feats for this young talent, who seems poised to continue making history in MLB.