Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with 60th Stolen Base Milestone
In the ever-evolving world of Major League Baseball, exceptional talents like Elly De La Cruz don't come along often. This 22-year-old phenom and Cincinnati Reds shortstop has captivated fans and analysts alike, not merely with his raw talent but also with a historic blend of speed and power. On August 21, De La Cruz added another chapter to his burgeoning legacy by swiping his 60th stolen base of the season during a game in Toronto.
Achieving this milestone, De La Cruz now stands in rarefied air as a member of the exclusive 20-60 club—reserved for players who have recorded at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. This achievement places him alongside a limited group that includes legends like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Notably, Henderson managed to accomplish this feat multiple times, cementing his status as an icon in the sport.
For Reds fans and baseball aficionados, Elly De La Cruz's breakthrough season is nothing short of monumental. The young shortstop currently leads the majors in stolen bases, showcasing not just his speed but also his strategic acumen on the base paths. Adding to the excitement is his ability to go deep with the bat, having hit 21 home runs this season. This unique combination of skills marks him as a true dual threat and a game-changer in every sense.
The last few weeks, however, have been a rollercoaster for De La Cruz. Before achieving his milestone 60th steal, he had not successfully stolen a base since August 8th. This minor lull did little to diminish his overall impact, though; it merely added a layer of anticipation for when he would next make his move. And when the time came, he did so with the flair and precision that have become his trademarks.
The broader historical context underscores just how remarkable De La Cruz's season has been. Since the inception of Major League Baseball, only eight seasons have featured a player reaching the 20-60 milestone. Astonishingly, five of these seasons were delivered by Hall of Famers, solidifying the significance of such an achievement. The last players to touch the vaunted 80-steal mark were Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman back in 1988, emphasizing the rarity and difficulty of such feats in the modern game.
Reflecting on the past greats who have achieved the 20-60 milestone, it's clear that the combination of power and speed is a hallmark of some of the game's most transformative players. Joe Morgan redefined the second baseman position with his blend of power and agility during the 1970s. His ability to influence the game both offensively and defensively set new standards for what was expected from middle infielders.
Rickey Henderson, perhaps the most iconic name when it comes to base stealing, was not only a thief on the base paths but also wielded a potent bat. His career showcases multiple seasons where he seamlessly combined 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases, dazzling fans and confounding opponents. Henderson's exploits reached their peak in 1990 when he was crowned MVP, a testament to his all-around excellence.
More recently, Ronald Acuña Jr. joined this illustrious club and has continued to push the boundaries of what's possible in today's game. His trailblazing 2023 season, which culminated in MVP honors, exemplifies the ongoing evolution of the sport and the increasing athleticism of its stars.
Now, Elly De La Cruz has etched his name into this storied lineage. While the 2024 season is far from over, his current pace suggests that even greater milestones could be on the horizon. Each game, each at-bat, each stolen base brings with it the promise of new records and the continuing evolution of a potential superstar.
This season's journey for De La Cruz is a testament to his incredible work ethic, natural talent, and the strategic prowess he brings to the game. More importantly, it serves as a beacon of hope for the Cincinnati Reds, a franchise eager to relive glory days and driven by the energy and skill of their young shortstop. As the summer winds down and the playoff race heats up, all eyes will be on Elly De La Cruz, waiting to see what this extraordinary athlete will achieve next.