Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Club with 60th Stolen Base
Elly De La Cruz, the dynamic shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, has etched his name into the annals of baseball history. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz achieved his 60th stolen base of the season during a recent game against the Toronto Blue Jays, joining a prestigious and rare club of players who have combined power and speed to redefine the game.
One of the standout young stars in Major League Baseball, De La Cruz leads the majors in stolen bases, showcasing an electric blend of speed and intelligence on the basepaths. This remarkable accomplishment is even more impressive considering he hadn't successfully stolen a base since August 8th, making his return to form a significant milestone.
Remarkable Feat: The 20-60 Club
This season, Elly De La Cruz has hit 21 home runs and swiped 60 bases, putting him in the exclusive 20-60 club. Only eight seasons in MLB history feature a player achieving this milestone, further underlining his exceptional talent. Notably, five of these feats were achieved by players who have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame, underscoring the rarity and prestige of this accomplishment.
The 20-60 club includes legendary names such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and the more contemporary Ronald Acuña Jr. Henderson, known for his unparalleled base-stealing prowess, achieved the 20-60 milestone multiple times during his illustrious career. Joe Morgan, who redefined the second baseman position with his blend of power and speed in the 1970s, is another iconic member of this club. Most recently, Ronald Acuña Jr. joined the ranks, cementing his status as one of the game’s brightest stars.
Hall of Famers and MVPs
The connection between the 20-60 accomplishment and MVP accolades is particularly noteworthy. Joe Morgan earned the MVP award in 1976 with his tremendous season. Rickey Henderson took home the prestigious honor in 1990, while Ronald Acuña Jr. captured the MVP in 2023. This list of MVPs in the 20-60 club highlights the calibre of players who have reached this milestone and their profound impact on the game.
Historical Context
It's worth noting that the last time the 80-steal mark was reached in MLB was back in 1988, by none other than Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman. This underscores the growing rarity of prolific base stealers in the modern era of baseball. In this context, De La Cruz's achievements shine even brighter, reflecting a blend of old-school base-stealing acumen with contemporary athleticism.
A Season to Remember
As the 2024 season advances, Elly De La Cruz's stellar performance has provided plenty of electrifying moments for Reds fans and baseball enthusiasts alike. His accomplishments thus far have not only elevated his standing in the game but also inspired a renewed appreciation for the art of base stealing and the value of speed in baseball.
As of August 21, De La Cruz has firmly established himself as one of the top players to watch, a beacon of hope for the Reds' future, and a testament to what determination and pure talent can achieve. The young shortstop continues to draw comparisons to the legends of the game, with many eagerly anticipating what further milestones he may reach in his already impressive career.