A New Milestone for Elly De La Cruz
In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, the Cincinnati Reds' shortstop, Elly De La Cruz, has etched his name into the annals of baseball history. De La Cruz achieved his 60th stolen base of the season during a recent game in Toronto, joining an elite group of players and showcasing his extraordinary combination of power and speed.
At just 22 years old, Elly De La Cruz has demonstrated a rare blend of talent that places him among the game's greats. With his 60th stolen base, De La Cruz now leads the majors in stolen bases, a testament to his speed and skill on the basepaths. This milestone not only underscores his athletic ability but also his strategic acumen, as he becomes more adept at reading pitchers and timing his jumps.
De La Cruz's journey to this landmark achievement had its share of challenges. He hadn't successfully stolen a base since August 8th, a hiccup that makes his recent accomplishment even more significant. His persistence and determination have paid off, leading to a season that has seen him hit 21 home runs in addition to his 60 stolen bases.
This rare 20-60 milestone is a feat achieved by only a select few in Major League Baseball history. The exclusive 20-60 club includes legendary names such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Notably, Henderson accomplished this remarkable feat multiple times throughout his storied career, while Morgan redefined the second baseman position with his unique blend of power and speed during the 1970s.
The 2024 season has seen De La Cruz's name added to this distinguished list, an accolade that further cements his place as one of the league's most dynamic players. Only eight seasons in MLB history feature a player achieving the 20-60 milestone, and it’s notable that five of these milestones were accomplished by Hall of Famers.
Adding to the significance of De La Cruz's achievement is the historical context. The last time the 80-steal mark was reached was in 1988 by Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman. While De La Cruz's 60 stolen bases fall short of this mark, his entry into the 20-60 club is significant, given the evolution of the game and the increasing difficulty of stealing bases with modern pitching and defensive strategies.
As of August 21, with over a month of regular season play remaining, De La Cruz has the opportunity to further elevate his stats and possibly join the even more exclusive ranks of players with higher stolen base totals in a single season. His current performance not only places him in line with some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen but also sets a new benchmark for future aspirants.
Among the three MVPs in the 20-60 club, Joe Morgan (1976), Rickey Henderson (1990), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023), each player brought a unique style and flair to the game. De La Cruz’s burgeoning career hints at a similar trajectory, as he continues to make significant contributions both at the plate and on the field. His combination of speed, power, and youth sets the stage for potentially even greater achievements in the coming years.
Elly De La Cruz’s 2024 season is a resounding reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that baseball brings. With every game, the young Reds shortstop showcases a blend of talent and determination that not only entertains but inspires. As fans and analysts alike watch his career unfold, there is no doubt that De La Cruz is destined for greatness, following in the footsteps of the legends who have come before him.