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 achieved a remarkable milestone by securing his 60th stolen base of the season. This accomplishment places him in elite company within Major League Baseball, solidifying his status as one of the premier base stealers in the league.
An Historic Achievement
Elly De La Cruz’s achievement of 60 stolen bases is notable not just for the sheer numerical milestone but also for the context in which it was achieved. Before stealing his 60th base, De La Cruz had not successfully stolen a base since August 8th. His perseverance has paid off in spectacular fashion.
Leading the majors in stolen bases, De La Cruz’s speed and agility on the base paths have been a salient feature of the 2024 season. Alongside his stolen bases, De La Cruz has also hit 21 home runs this season, becoming part of an exclusive “20-60 club.” This club includes legendary names such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Remarkably, only eight seasons in MLB history have featured a player achieving the 20-60 milestone, underscoring the rarity of this dual-threat performance.
A Legendary Line-Up
Being part of the 20-60 club is a tribute to De La Cruz’s versatile talent. Rickey Henderson, known for his extraordinary base-stealing prowess, accomplished the 20-60 feat multiple times during his illustrious career. Joe Morgan, who redefined the second baseman position with his combination of power and speed in the 1970s, is another Hall of Famer who makes up this prestigious list. Ronald Acuña Jr., the latest addition prior to De La Cruz, achieved this milestone in 2023.
Of these elite players, three went on to win the MVP award in their respective milestone seasons: Joe Morgan in 1976, Rickey Henderson in 1990, and Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023. Their MVP titles illustrate the profound impact such versatile performance can have on a team’s success and the broader narrative of a season.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Standards
De La Cruz’s performance this season has been a breath of fresh air for baseball enthusiasts and a significant boost for the Cincinnati Reds. His combination of speed and power brings to mind the electrifying exploits of Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman, the last players to reach the 80-steal mark back in 1988. Although De La Cruz has yet to reach the 80-steal benchmark, his current pace leaves open the possibility for further historic achievements as the season progresses.
The youthful exuberance and raw talent exhibited by De La Cruz at just 22 years old bode well for his future in the league. The Reds shortstop has not only met but exceeded expectations, delivering a performance that has thrilled fans and confounded opposing pitchers and catchers.
As the current date stands at August 21, there remains ample time for De La Cruz to extend his stolen base tally and potentially add to his home run total. His dynamic style of play, characterized by swift base running and decisive batting, keeps him in the conversation for future MVP considerations, should his trajectory continue upward.
In this pivotal season, Elly De La Cruz has solidified his place in the annals of baseball history, joining a select group of players who have showcased both power and speed. The Reds and their fans will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on his performance as the season nears its climax, hoping for more moments of brilliance that have already defined his breakout year.
As the story of the 2024 season unfolds, Elly De La Cruz’s name is sure to be etched alongside the greats, a testament to his extraordinary talent and relentless drive on the field.