Elly De La Cruz Joins Baseball's Elite with Historic Milestone
In a stunning achievement that underscores his already remarkable young career, Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz has etched his name alongside the legends of Major League Baseball. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz has become a pivotal figure in the sport, particularly for his base-stealing prowess.
On August 21st, during a game in Toronto, De La Cruz swiped his 60th base of the 2024 season, joining an exclusive group of players who have achieved at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. This remarkable feat places him among baseball's elite, with Hall of Famers Rickey Henderson and Joe Morgan, and recent MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., as the only other players in this illustrious club.
An Elite Company
The "20-60 club" is a testament to a player's unique combination of power and speed—a rare pairing that has been accomplished just eight times in MLB history. Five of those seasons belong to Hall of Famers, making De La Cruz's membership in this club all the more significant. Rickey Henderson, the speedster widely regarded as the greatest base-stealer of all time, accomplished this milestone multiple times throughout his career. Joe Morgan, another legend, redefined what it meant to be a second baseman with his power and speed in the 1970s. Ronald Acuña Jr. rounded out this trio with his MVP-worthy performance in 2023.
De La Cruz's achievement is not just a personal triumph; it also highlights how much the game has transformed. The last player to record 80 steals in a season was Vince Coleman in 1988, a testament to how rare prolific base-stealers have become in modern baseball. De La Cruz leads the majors in stolen bases this season, an accolade that speaks volumes of his agility and instinct on the base paths.
Breaking Through the Slump
What makes De La Cruz's 60th stolen base even more remarkable is the context in which it was achieved. Prior to this milestone, he had not successfully stolen a base since August 8th, suggesting a minor slump. Yet, in true champion fashion, De La Cruz broke through, displaying resilience and determination.
The 2024 season has been a breakthrough year for De La Cruz in more ways than one. In addition to his 60 stolen bases, he has also hit 21 home runs, making him a constant threat both at the plate and on the base paths. This combination of power and speed has made him one of the most exciting players to watch this season and has set him apart as a future star of the game.
Looking at the Future
While De La Cruz’s season is already historic, the young shortstop shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a cornerstone for the Cincinnati Reds' future. At 22, he is only beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his career will unfold, especially if he continues to develop both his power and speed.
De La Cruz’s membership in the 20-60 club is a testament to his rare skill set and his dedication to the game. As the season progresses, he has an opportunity to further cement his legacy and perhaps inspire a new generation of players to blend power and speed in the same way.
For now, baseball enthusiasts can only marvel at the extraordinary talent of Elly De La Cruz. In a sport that often reveres its history and its records, De La Cruz has made his mark, joining a select group of players whose names will be remembered for years to come.