Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with 60th Stolen Base
In a game held in Toronto, 22-year-old Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball history. By achieving his 60th stolen base of the season, De La Cruz joined an elite club of players who have showcased a rare combination of speed and power.
A Rare Feat in Baseball
Elly De La Cruz’s 60th stolen base places him in a distinguished group, known as the 20-60 club. This exclusive club includes legendary names such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Players in this club have managed to hit at least 20 home runs and steal 60 bases within a single season—a remarkable accomplishment given the physical demands and consistent performance required to achieve it.
Notably, Henderson, a Hall of Famer, accomplished this feat multiple times, making him an icon for his extraordinary longevity and sustained excellence. Joe Morgan, another Hall of Famer, redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s with his blend of power and speed. More recently, Ronald Acuña Jr. joined the club, with his achievements earning him the MVP award in 2023.
A Leader in His Own Right
De La Cruz not only leads the majors in stolen bases this season but also broke a personal drought, having not successfully stolen a base since August 8th. This recent performance reaffirms his position as one of the brightest young stars in baseball today.
The 2024 season has seen De La Cruz rack up 21 home runs alongside his 60 steals, further demonstrating his prowess on the field. His ability to combine speed with power has brought him into conversations surrounding future MVP potentials, reminiscent of the accolades earned by Morgan, Henderson, and Acuña Jr.
Historical Context
The 20-60 milestone has only been achieved in eight seasons throughout MLB history. Five of these remarkable seasons were accomplished by players who are now enshrined in the Hall of Fame. This stat not only highlights the rarity of such a feat but also underlines the caliber of players who have achieved it.
The scarcity of players achieving such numbers accentuates De La Cruz’s exceptional skill set. Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman were the last players to reach the 80-steal mark back in 1988, a testament to how challenging it is to excel in this facet of the game over a prolonged period.
Elly De La Cruz: A Name to Watch
As of August 21, Elly De La Cruz continues to capture the imagination of baseball fans and analysts alike. His monumental 60th stolen base game serves as a reminder of the excitement and wonder that young talent can bring to the sport.
For De La Cruz, joining the likes of Henderson, Morgan, and Acuña Jr. is more than just a milestone; it’s an affirmation of his place in the pantheon of baseball’s most dynamic players. And with several weeks still left in the season, he has the opportunity to add even more gloss to an already glittering campaign.
In a sport that venerates its records and milestones, De La Cruz's achievements this season will be remembered as a chapter in the rich tapestry of baseball lore. Whether he continues to set records or simply excels at his current pace, Elly De La Cruz has proven that he belongs among the elite.