Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with 60th Stolen Base
Elly De La Cruz, the dynamic 22-year-old shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, has solidified his place in baseball history by recording his 60th stolen base of the season. This remarkable feat was accomplished during a game in Toronto, where De La Cruz sprinted into the elite territory of baseball legends.
The achievement places De La Cruz in the illustrious 20-60 club, a rarefied group of players who have hit at least 20 home runs and stolen 60 bases in a single season. This exclusive club includes icons like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Notably, Rickey Henderson managed to achieve this feat multiple times throughout his storied career. Only eight seasons in MLB history feature a player reaching the 20-60 milestone, with five of those milestones accomplished by Hall of Famers.
De La Cruz's journey to this historic mark has been nothing short of spectacular. He currently leads the majors in stolen bases, a testament to his incredible speed and base-running acumen. However, the road to his 60th stolen base had a hiccup. Before this milestone, he had not successfully stolen a base since August 8th, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved in consistently swiping bags in the big leagues.
Additionally, De La Cruz has exemplified his power-hitting ability this season. With 21 home runs under his belt in 2024, he has demonstrated a rare combination of speed and power that redefines modern baseball expectations. This combination of talents draws parallels with Joe Morgan, who redefined the second baseman position with his formidable mix of power and speed in the 1970s.
The current surge of multi-talented players in MLB echoes the career journeys of Hall of Fame talents. And while the 80-steal mark has not been reached since 1988, when Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman achieved it, De La Cruz’s performance signals the exciting possibility of such milestones being within reach once again.
Observing De La Cruz's achievement is a reminder of the extraordinary athletes who have come before him. The three MVPs in the 20-60 club—Joe Morgan (1976), Rickey Henderson (1990), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023)—set the bar for players striving to blend power at the plate with finesse on the bases. Following in their footsteps, De La Cruz is carving out his legacy alongside these greats, reflecting both the history and the future of the sport.
In an era where the game continually evolves, De La Cruz’s performance this season resonates with fans and analysts alike. His role as the Reds' shortstop places him at the heart of Cincinnati's infield, where he provides not just defensive stability but also a spark of excitement with every stolen base and home run.
With the current date being August 21st, the baseball world looks forward to what the rest of the season holds for this emerging star. Watching De La Cruz navigate the final stretches of the season will undoubtedly be one of the highlights for baseball enthusiasts. His prowess on the field promises more thrilling moments and perhaps more records being challenged or broken.
As Elly De La Cruz continues to etch his name into the annals of baseball history, his journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the sheer athletic artistry that America's pastime continually offers. The Cincinnati Reds and their fans are undoubtedly savoring every moment of this young prodigy's remarkable season, anticipating the even greater heights he may reach in the years to come.