Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with 60th Stolen Base
At just 22 years old, Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz continues to make headlines. In a recent game held in Toronto, De La Cruz achieved a milestone that solidifies his place among some of baseball's greatest. By stealing his 60th base of the season, he not only led the majors in stolen bases but also entered a distinguished group of players who have hit at least 20 home runs and stolen 60 bases in a single season.
It's a remarkable feat, considering that even before his 60th stolen base in Toronto, De La Cruz had not successfully stolen a base since August 8th. This period of dormancy makes his recent achievement all the more significant, showcasing both his perseverance and exceptional talent. The last recorded stolen base before this milestone was almost two weeks prior, highlighting the challenges he faced and overcame.
Entering the 20-60 club is no small feat. This exclusive group includes legendary names such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr., each of whom has left an indelible mark on the game. Rickey Henderson, known for his exceptional speed and base-stealing prowess, accomplished the 20-60 feat multiple times during his illustrious career. Joe Morgan, another revered name in baseball history, redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s with his rare combination of power and speed.
The 2024 season has been particularly noteworthy for De La Cruz. With 21 home runs and 60 stolen bases, he continues to add impressive stats to his burgeoning career. It's interesting to note that only eight seasons in MLB history feature a player achieving the 20-60 milestone, with five of those accomplishments being made by Hall of Famers. This fact underlines just how rare and special De La Cruz's achievements are.
Several of these players in the 20-60 club have been recognized with MVP awards, further emphasizing the caliber of talent and performance required to achieve this milestone. Joe Morgan was named MVP in 1976, Rickey Henderson received the honor in 1990, and Ronald Acuña Jr. was awarded MVP in 2023. This recognition not only highlights their individual excellence but also sets a high standard for future generations of players.
An aspect not to be overlooked is the historical context within which De La Cruz's achievement sits. The last time players reached the 80-steal mark was in 1988 when Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman surpassed this number. This statistic serves as a testament to how the dynamics of the game have evolved over the years, making De La Cruz's accomplishment even more remarkable.
As the current date stands at August 21, the season still holds potential for more landmark moments. De La Cruz, showcasing his versatility and determination, has become a player to watch closely. For a young athlete at the nascent stage of his career, joining the ranks of baseball legends like Henderson and Morgan is a significant milestone that hints at a promising future.
Elly De La Cruz's journey this season reflects a blend of historical achievement and potential yet to be realized. His place in the 20-60 club puts him in elite company, affirming his status as one of the most exciting players in the modern game. With a combination of speed, power, and a command of the game, De La Cruz stands poised for continued success, and fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what he accomplishes next.