Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with 60th Stolen Base
Elly De La Cruz, the dynamic 22-year-old shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, has etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball history with his 60th stolen base of the season. This milestone, achieved during a game in Toronto, places him in elite company, highlighting both his remarkable speed and strategic acumen on the basepaths.
De La Cruz's 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular. Not only has he led the majors in stolen bases, but he has also demonstrated a rare combination of power and speed, hitting 21 home runs in the same season. This achievement places him in the exclusive 20-60 club, a rare feat accomplished by only a handful of players in MLB history.
Joining De La Cruz in the 20-60 club are baseball legends such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. The club is a testament to the elite caliber of players who can dominate the game in multiple facets. Henderson remains the benchmark, having achieved the 20-60 milestone multiple times, showcasing his unparalleled prowess on the field.
Joe Morgan is another distinguished member of this group. During the 1970s, he redefined the second baseman position with his unique combination of power and speed, setting a standard that young players like De La Cruz aspire to. Morgan's influence on the game is profound, and his achievements continue to inspire future generations.
The contemporary era sees Ronald Acuña Jr., a pivotal figure in the modern game, included in this distinguished list. Acuña Jr.'s 2023 MVP season solidified his status as one of the most electrifying players in recent memory. His inclusion in the 20-60 club highlights the evolving skill sets required to excel at the highest levels of the sport.
De La Cruz's journey to this milestone has not been without its challenges. Notably, he experienced a dry spell and hadn't successfully stolen a base since August 8th before achieving his 60th steal. This hiatus underscored the difficulties and pressures of maintaining peak performance throughout a grueling season. Nevertheless, his perseverance and determination culminated in a momentous achievement that few in the sport can claim.
Historically, the 20-60 milestone has been an indicator of exceptional talent. Only eight seasons in MLB history feature a player achieving this remarkable feat, with five of those accomplishments belonging to Hall of Famers. This places De La Cruz's season in an extraordinary context, emphasizing the rarity and significance of his performance.
The 2024 season marks a pivotal moment not just for De La Cruz, but for the sport as a whole. It has been over three decades since the 80-steal mark was last reached, with Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman achieving it in 1988. While De La Cruz's 60 steals may not rival those historic numbers, they represent a significant resurgence in base stealing, a skill that had seen a decline in recent years.
As of August 21, Elly De La Cruz's name stands proudly among the greats of the game. His combination of youthful energy and remarkable skill set has not only electrified fans but also reinvigorated interest in the stolen base as a strategic element of the game. His ability to blend power at the plate with speed on the bases exemplifies the dynamic nature of modern baseball.
The young star's achievements have set a high bar for future players, illustrating that versatility and athleticism are key components of baseball excellence. For the Reds, De La Cruz's historic season provides a cornerstone upon which they can build their future, and for fans, it offers a glimpse into the thrilling potential of the next generation of baseball talent.