Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite 20-60 Club with His 60th Stolen Base
In a season marked by remarkable athletic achievements and personal milestones, Elly De La Cruz has carved his name into the annals of MLB history. The 22-year-old Reds shortstop achieved his 60th stolen base of the season during a recent game in Toronto, placing him among some of baseball's all-time greats. This accomplishment has not only elevated his profile but has also helped redefine what it means to be a dynamic player in the modern game.
With his 60th stolen base, De La Cruz has officially joined the exclusive 20-60 club, a rare feat in Major League Baseball. This elite group includes legends such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and recent MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., players known for their exceptional combination of power and speed.
In reaching this milestone, De La Cruz has not only amassed 60 stolen bases but has also hit at least 20 home runs this season. This rare combination has been achieved in just eight seasons throughout MLB history. What makes De La Cruz's accomplishment even more impressive is the company he now keeps; of the players who have reached the 20-60 mark, five are Hall of Famers, a testament to the level of skill and endurance required to pull off such a feat.
Rickey Henderson, widely considered the greatest leadoff hitter in baseball history, accomplished the 20-60 milestone multiple times during his illustrious career. His unparalleled speed and base-running intelligence made him a constant threat on the field. Similarly, Joe Morgan redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s with his unique blend of power and speed, earning him back-to-back MVP awards in 1975 and 1976.
Joining such elite company is no small feat for De La Cruz, who has been a shining star for the Reds this season. At just 22 years old, he has quickly ascended the ranks to become the majors' stolen base leader. His blend of speed, power, and baseball IQ has captivated fans and analysts alike. In the 2024 season alone, De La Cruz has already hit 21 home runs, complementing his 60 stolen bases. This makes him one of the most versatile and exciting players in the league today.
The last player to hit the 80-steal mark was Rickey Henderson in 1988, a record that remains untouched for decades. While De La Cruz's focus remains on contributing to his team's success, there's no denying that his personal achievements have added an extra layer of excitement to the season.
Nevertheless, the road to 60 stolen bases hasn't been entirely smooth for De La Cruz. Prior to reaching this milestone, he experienced a drought, going without a successful stolen base since August 8th. Yet, his resilience and determination ultimately saw him through this challenging period, highlighting not only his physical capabilities but also his mental toughness.
As of August 21, 2024, De La Cruz’s name is etched into the history books alongside three MVPs—Joe Morgan (1976), Rickey Henderson (1990), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023). These players have set the benchmark for future generations, and De La Cruz is well on his way to leaving a similar legacy. His journey this season serves as an inspiration to young athletes and a reminder of the enduring allure of baseball.
Elly De La Cruz's extraordinary season has reignited discussions about the role of speed and athleticism in modern baseball. While the game has increasingly shifted towards analytics and power-hitting, players like De La Cruz bring a refreshing reminder of the multifaceted skills that make baseball such a captivating sport. Whether he continues to surpass new milestones or not, Elly De La Cruz has already secured his place as one of the most electrifying players of his generation.
The 2024 season may still have plenty of action left, but one thing is clear: Elly De La Cruz has already made it a year to remember. His achievements resonate not just within the confines of the ballpark but throughout the sporting world, offering a glimpse into the future of baseball and the boundless potential that young athletes bring to the game.