Elly De La Cruz has joined elite company this season, proving himself to be one of the most electrifying players in Major League Baseball. The 22-year-old Reds shortstop etched his name into the record books by achieving a feat only a handful of players have accomplished before: reaching 60 stolen bases and 20 home runs in a single season.
A Remarkable Achievement
The latest milestone came during a game in Toronto, where De La Cruz successfully stole his 60th base of the season. This achievement not only highlights his blazing speed but also secures his place as one of the top base stealers in the league. As of August 21, De La Cruz leads the majors in stolen bases, an extraordinary feat given the competitive nature of the sport.
However, it wasn't an easy journey for De La Cruz. Prior to his 60th stolen base, he had experienced a drought, going without a successful steal since August 8th. This hiatus only makes his recent achievement all the more impressive, showcasing his resilience and determination to excel.
Joining the 20-60 Club
With this milestone, De La Cruz becomes a member of an exclusive club. The 20-60 club includes legendary names like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Each of these players has left an indelible mark on the sport, redefining what it means to combine power and speed effectively.
Rickey Henderson, known as the greatest base stealer of all time, accomplished the 20-60 feat multiple times throughout his illustrious career. Joe Morgan, another icon in the sport, redefined the second baseman position with his unique combination of power and speed during the 1970s. More recently, Ronald Acuña Jr. joined this elite group, demonstrating that the skillset remains relevant and valuable in today’s game.
Historical Context
It's important to note the historical significance of De La Cruz’s achievements this season. The 2024 season has been a standout year for him, hitting 21 home runs and stealing 60 bases by late August. Only eight seasons in the entirety of MLB history feature a player achieving the 20-60 milestone, further underscoring the rarity and difficulty of this accomplishment.
Interestingly, five of the previous 20-60 milestones were reached by players who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, emphasizing the level of talent and performance required to achieve such numbers. Moreover, the last time players reached the 80-steal mark was in 1988 courtesy of Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman, highlighting the declining frequency of high stolen base totals in modern baseball.
Legacy and Future Prospects
The significance of De La Cruz’s accomplishment extends beyond mere statistics. By joining the ranks of players like Henderson, Morgan, and Acuña Jr., he’s positioning himself for a potentially storied career. The three MVPs in the 20-60 club—Joe Morgan (1976), Rickey Henderson (1990), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023)—serve as a testament to the impact players who combine power and speed can have on the game. As De La Cruz continues to evolve, he might find himself in similar conversations.
Elly De La Cruz's journey this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. His remarkable blend of power and speed, showcased by his 21 home runs and 60 stolen bases, marks him as one of the sport's bright young stars. As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on De La Cruz to see what new heights he can reach, solidifying his place in baseball history.