Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with 60th Stolen Base
In a season that will be remembered for its remarkable milestones and overpowering performances, Elly De La Cruz has etched his name in baseball history books. The 22-year-old Reds shortstop achieved his 60th stolen base of the season during a game in Toronto, joining an exclusive club of players who have managed to blend power and speed in a way that defines greatness in Major League Baseball.
De La Cruz's feat of swiping 60 bases while also hitting 21 home runs this season places him in the elite 20-60 club. This rare combination of skills has been achieved in only eight seasons throughout MLB history. He now shares this prestigious accolade with legends like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr.
Rickey Henderson, known to have accomplished the 20-60 feat multiple times, exemplified the dynamic impact a player can have when combining speed with power. Joe Morgan, another member of this club, redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s with his blend of athleticism and hitting prowess. More recently, Ronald Acuña Jr. joined these ranks, earning the National League MVP award in 2023 for his stellar 20-60 season.
For De La Cruz, the journey to this milestone has been one of persistence and resilience. Notably, he had not successfully stolen a base since August 8th, but his determination bore fruit on August 21st when he finally reached the 60-steal mark. This achievement also underscores his leadership in the majors when it comes to swiped bags, as he currently leads all players in stolen bases.
Reflecting on his season, De La Cruz stands out not just for his speed but also for his power, highlighting the rare blend of skills that few players possess. The 2024 season is a testament to his hard work and dedication, as he continues to showcase a combination of talents that make him one of the most exciting young players in the game today.
Adding to the significance of De La Cruz's accomplishment is the fact that out of the eight seasons where players have reached the 20-60 milestone, five were accomplished by players who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. This includes figures whose influence on the game transcends statistics alone, as their playstyle has become a benchmark for future generations of athletes.
The rarity of such a feat is further underscored by the fact that the last time players reached the 80-steal mark—a different yet related measure of base-running excellence—was in 1988, achieved by the extraordinary talents of Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman. In the modern game, where the dynamics of play have shifted, De La Cruz's ability to excel in both power and speed categories makes his achievements all the more impressive.
As the MLB season progresses, fans and analysts will undoubtedly keep a close watch on De La Cruz. His combination of youthful exuberance and extraordinary talent not only makes him an invaluable asset to the Reds but also a potential star for many seasons to come. In the meantime, his entry into the 20-60 club serves as a reminder of the timeless allure of baseball's blend of speed, power, and skill.
De La Cruz’s journey this season is more than just a personal triumph—it is a narrative rich with historical context and brimming with potential for the future. Baseball enthusiasts can only anticipate what other milestones this young prodigy might reach as he continues to grow and thrive in the sport.