A Stellar Season for Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz, the dynamic shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, has etched his name alongside some of baseball's legends with his outstanding performance this season. Achieving his 60th stolen base during a game in Toronto, De La Cruz not only reached a personal milestone but also joined an elite group of players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to achieve a combination of 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases within a single season.
At just 22 years old, De La Cruz is already making waves in the majors. Not since August 8th had he successfully stolen a base, making his 60th stolen base even more significant. This remarkable feat propels him to the top of the leaderboard in stolen bases, solidifying his reputation as one of the fastest and most agile players currently in MLB.
The young shortstop’s season stats are compelling: 21 home runs coupled with 60 stolen bases as of August 21. This dual achievement puts De La Cruz in the esteemed company of Hall of Famers. Only eight seasons in the rich history of MLB feature a player who has reached the 20-60 milestone, five of which were accomplished by legendary athletes who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The Exclusive 20-60 Club
To fully appreciate this accomplishment, it’s essential to understand the historical context. De La Cruz's 2024 season now resonates in the same breath as baseball icons such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Each of these players not only reached the milestone but also brought unique talents to the game. Henderson, known for his unparalleled base-stealing prowess, achieved the 20-60 combination multiple times throughout his illustrious career.
Joe Morgan, a trailblazer during the 1970s, redefined the second baseman role with his exceptional blend of power and speed. His 20-60 season in 1976 was pivotal in earning him the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, a testament to the impact such a statistical combination can have on the game. Following in their footsteps, Ronald Acuña Jr. achieved the 20-60 power-speed combo recently, adding another layer of prestige to this exclusive club when he won the MVP title in 2023.
A Rare Achievement
Diving deeper into the records, the rarity of this feat is further highlighted by its infrequent occurrence. The last time the MLB witnessed players consistently achieving similar heights in stolen bases was back in 1988 when Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman last touched the 80-steal mark. Such statistics fortify the mix of power hitting and base-stealing, illustrating the evolving dynamics of the game where raw speed can just as effectively change the course of play as home run hitting.
De La Cruz's Future
The current date being August 21, De La Cruz still has moments left in the season to expand on his already impressive statistics. Should he continue performing at this level, he won't just be contributing to the Reds' immediate success but also laying down pivotal moments for a potentially Hall-of-Fame-worthy career.
Elly De La Cruz's journey so far is a fascinating reminder of how young talent, when nurtured and given the stage, can rise to dazzle and inspire. With 60 stolen bases and counting, he has already captivated the hearts of Reds fans and baseball enthusiasts worldwide. The remarkable stats and historical significance wrapped up in his performances create thrilling expectations for what lies ahead.