On a warm evening in Toronto, Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds achieved yet another significant milestone in his promising young career. The 22-year-old shortstop stole his 60th base of the season, a feat that places him among an elite group of Major League Baseball players.
Joining Elite Company
De La Cruz's 60th stolen base not only highlights his speed and agility but also cements his status as one of the most dynamic players in the game. By reaching this milestone, he has joined an exclusive club that features some of the game's greatest names. The 20-60 club, where a player achieves at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season, includes the likes of Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr.
These players not only excelled in power but also had the speed to change the course of a game at any time. Rickey Henderson accomplished the 20-60 feat multiple times throughout his illustrious career. Joe Morgan revolutionized the second baseman position in the 1970s with his blend of power and speed, while Ronald Acuña Jr. recently joined the club in 2023, showcasing a skill set that is both rare and valuable in modern baseball.
A Season to Remember
The 2024 season has been particularly special for Elly De La Cruz. He has hit 21 home runs and stolen 60 bases, a performance that has not been seen frequently in the long history of MLB. In fact, the 20-60 milestone has only been achieved in eight seasons across MLB history, with five of those being accomplished by Hall of Famers. This speaks volumes about the level of talent required to reach such a benchmark.
What's more impressive is that De La Cruz leads the majors in stolen bases, underscoring his exceptional base-running skills. Before his 60th stolen base, he hadn't successfully stolen a base since August 8th, making this achievement even more noteworthy. His resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities set him apart from his peers.
Historical Context
To truly appreciate De La Cruz's accomplishment, one must look at the broader history of stolen bases in MLB. The last time any player hit the 80-steal mark was back in 1988, achieved by none other than Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman. This puts into perspective just how challenging and rare the combination of power and speed is in today's game.
Given that the current date is August 21, there's still plenty of baseball left in the season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if De La Cruz can push the envelope further, potentially setting new records and further solidifying his place in the annals of baseball history.
Among the prestigious 20-60 club, three players have also earned MVP honors. Joe Morgan claimed the award in 1976, Rickey Henderson in 1990, and Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023. While it remains to be seen if De La Cruz will receive similar accolades, his current trajectory certainly puts him in that conversation.
A Rising Star
At just 22 years old, the future looks incredibly bright for De La Cruz. His remarkable combination of speed and power is a throwback to some of the legends of the game, but with a modern twist. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, the Reds and their fans have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.
Elly De La Cruz's latest milestone is more than just a number; it's a testament to his hard work, talent, and the thrilling potential of what he might achieve in the years to come. For now, the baseball world watches with bated breath to see how far this young star can go in redefining the game.