Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with 60th Stolen Base
In a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz carved his name into the annals of baseball history by achieving a rare milestone. The 22-year-old prodigy swiped his 60th base of the season, joining an elusive club that blends power and speed in an extraordinary fashion. With this feat, De La Cruz has become one of just a handful of players to hit at least 20 home runs and steal 60 bases in a single season.
De La Cruz’s journey to this prestigious milestone did not come without its challenges. Before managing to steal his 60th base, De La Cruz hadn’t successfully stolen a base since August 8th. However, his persistence paid off, and he now leads the majors with this remarkable achievement.
A Nod to Legends
The exclusive “20-60 club”, which De La Cruz has cemented his place in, includes legends like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and the more contemporary star Ronald Acuña Jr. Henderson, widely regarded as the greatest base stealer ever, accomplished the 20-60 feat multiple times over his storied career. Joe Morgan, a Hall of Famer who redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s with his mix of power and speed, achieved this noteworthy milestone in 1976. Most recently, Ronald Acuña Jr. joined this group en route to his MVP season in 2023.
Remarkably, Elly De La Cruz's achievement stands as a testament to both his athletic prowess and his understanding of the game’s strategic elements. In a season where he has blasted 21 home runs alongside his 60 stolen bases, he underscores the unique blend of abilities required to join such an elite group. It’s no small feat to balance the brute force needed to clear the fences with the agility and instincts necessary for stealing bases.
Historical Significance
The significance of De La Cruz’s accomplishment becomes even more apparent when examining the history of Major League Baseball. In the vast expanse of MLB’s existence, only eight seasons feature a player achieving the 20-60 milestone. Even more strikingly, five of these historic seasons were produced by Hall of Fame players, underscoring the rarity and prestige of this accomplishment.
The last time baseball witnessed a player reach even greater heights – the 80-steal mark – was back in 1988 when Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman set the diamond ablaze with their speed. Although Elly De La Cruz’s path may diverge, his current trajectory suggests that he has the potential to leave a similar lasting impact on the game.
In Pursuit of Greatness
As of August 21, De La Cruz not only leads in stolen bases but also stands as a beacon for aspiring players who aim to blend power with speed. His 60th stolen base not only places him among giants but also differentiates him in a league constantly seeking the next big star.
What makes De La Cruz’s 2024 season so captivating is the context in which he’s performing. With a combination of youth, talent, and a deep understanding of the game’s nuances, Elly De La Cruz embodies the future of baseball. For fans of the sport, his every at-bat and every stolen base is now an event, a happening that could lead to something truly special.
While baseball purists may continue to debate the greatest players of all time, seasons like the one De La Cruz is having offer fresh ammunition for those discussions. Will he sustain this level of performance? Only time will tell. However, as he stands today, Elly De La Cruz’s name is etched alongside some of the game’s most hallowed legends.
In a year where the Reds are striving for excellence, De La Cruz's individual achievements offer both a focal point for fans and a challenge to his peers. As he continues to steal bases and hit home runs, one thing is certain: Elly De La Cruz is a name that will be remembered for seasons to come.