Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with Historic 60th Stolen Base
Elly De La Cruz continues to captivate the baseball world with his electrifying speed and incredible athleticism. The 22-year-old Cincinnati Reds shortstop recently captured headlines by achieving his 60th stolen base of the season during a game in Toronto, an accomplishment that solidifies his spot among the elite in Major League Baseball.
Prior to this milestone, De La Cruz hadn’t successfully stolen a base since August 8th, making his 60th steal even more significant. This achievement places him in the exclusive 20-60 club, a rare feat where a player hits at least 20 home runs and steals 60 bases in a single season. With 21 home runs and 60 stolen bases in the 2024 season, De La Cruz has showcased an extraordinary combination of power and speed that few players in baseball history have matched.
Joining this prestigious club, De La Cruz finds himself in the company of legends like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Rickey Henderson, a Hall of Famer, accomplished the 20-60 milestone multiple times over his illustrious career. Joe Morgan, another Hall of Famer, redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s with his blend of power and speed, and Ronald Acuña Jr., the most recent addition before De La Cruz, demonstrated his remarkable talent during his own MVP season in 2023.
The rarity of the 20-60 club is underscored by the fact that only eight seasons in MLB history feature a player achieving this milestone. Incredibly, five of these milestones have been accomplished by players who later entered the Hall of Fame. The last player to surpass the 80-steal mark was Rickey Henderson in 1988, along with Vince Coleman, further emphasizing the exceptional nature of high-stolen base totals in today’s game.
Elly De La Cruz’s achievement not only places him among these greats but also underscores his impact on the current MLB season. Leading the majors in stolen bases, De La Cruz has added a dynamic element to the Reds' lineup, transforming games through his base-running prowess and offensive contributions.
As the season progresses with the current date being August 21, it's fascinating to reflect on how De La Cruz has combined his raw talent and untamed athleticism to reach such heights at a young age. Cincinnati fans, along with the broader baseball community, will undoubtedly keep an eye on De La Cruz’s journey, watching to see where his talents will take him next.
For now, Elly De La Cruz deserves all the accolades coming his way. Whether stealing bases or knocking balls out of the park, his dual-threat capabilities continue to make him one of the most exciting players to watch in Major League Baseball.