Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with 60th Stolen Base
At just 22 years of age, Elly De La Cruz has asserted himself as one of Major League Baseball's most electrifying talents. In a season marked by standout performances, his latest feat—achieving his 60th stolen base—cements his status among the game's elite. In doing so, De La Cruz becomes a member of the exclusive 20-60 club, a distinction reserved for those who have hit at least 20 home runs and stolen 60 bases in a single season.
The Reds shortstop reached this milestone during a game in Toronto, adding another achievement to what has already been a remarkable year. It is a testament to his exceptional speed and baseball instincts that De La Cruz now leads the majors in stolen bases.
A Season to Remember
This season, De La Cruz has hit 21 home runs to complement his 60 stolen bases, a combination that only a handful of players in MLB history have managed to achieve. The 20-60 club is an illustrious one, including legends like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. It is a rare accolade—only eight seasons in MLB history feature a player achieving the 20-60 milestone, and five of those seasons were accomplished by Hall of Famers.
Rickey Henderson, known for his extraordinary speed and base-stealing ability, is a recurring name in the 20-60 club, having achieved this feat multiple times. In the 1970s, Joe Morgan redefined the second baseman position with a powerful mix of speed and power, and his inclusion in this exclusive list is noteworthy. Ronald Acuña Jr., an emerging star, joined the club in 2023, further highlighting the level of talent in this rarefied group.
A Remarkable Journey
De La Cruz's journey to his 60th stolen base has had its ups and downs. The young phenom had not successfully stolen a base since August 8th before his milestone moment. Yet, like the greats before him, he remained undeterred, seizing the opportunity when it presented itself. His determination and perseverance are emblematic of his approach to the game—always looking for ways to contribute and make an impact.
It's no small feat to lead the majors in stolen bases, especially in an era where the art of base-stealing sometimes feels like a lost art. De La Cruz, however, is proving that this skill remains invaluable and can be a game-changer.
Legacy and Future Potential
The 2024 season has undoubtedly been a breakout year for De La Cruz, who continues to make headlines with his performances on the field. His inclusion in the 20-60 club is a significant achievement, not just for personal accolades but because it signals the arrival of a player capable of leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Historically, the 20-60 club has included MVPs like Joe Morgan (1976), Rickey Henderson (1990), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023). Their careers are a roadmap of sustained excellence, combining power and speed in a way few others have. De La Cruz's current trajectory suggests he could one day join them, both in terms of accolades and influence on the game.
The significance of De La Cruz's achievement is magnified when considering that the last time anyone reached the 80-steal mark was in 1988 by Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman. While De La Cruz hasn't reached that lofty number yet, his current success hints that it might be within his reach in the future, particularly as he continues to develop and hone his skills.
As of August 21st, the excitement around De La Cruz continues to build among fans and analysts alike. His dynamic playing style and exceptional athleticism have already endeared him to a new generation of baseball enthusiasts, and his recent achievements only add to his growing legend.
In summation, Elly De La Cruz's entry into the 20-60 club at such a young age marks him as one of the brightest stars in the MLB. His combination of power, speed, and sheer determination has not only earned him a place alongside the greats but also set the stage for a future filled with limitless potential. The baseball world will undoubtedly be watching as his career unfolds, eager to witness what extraordinary feats he will accomplish next.