Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with 60th Stolen Base
In a game that will be remembered for its historical significance, Elly De La Cruz, the electrifying 22-year-old shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, achieved his 60th stolen base of the season during a matchup in Toronto. This milestone has not only placed him in the annals of MLB history but has also solidified his status as one of the premier base stealers of his generation.
A Season to Remember
De La Cruz's 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular. With 21 home runs and 60 stolen bases already to his name, he has joined a rarefied group of players who have managed to combine power and speed so effectively in a single season. Only eight seasons in MLB history have seen a player reach the 20-60 milestone, a testament to the difficulty of such an achievement.
Remarkably, De La Cruz leads the majors in stolen bases, a category that has seen diminishing numbers in recent years. His achievement marks a nostalgic throwback to an era when base stealing was a more prominent part of the game. Notably, his 60th steal came after a dry spell; he hadn't successfully stolen a base since August 8th.
Joining the Greats
By reaching this elite milestone, De La Cruz has joined the hallowed ranks of the "20-60 club," which includes legendary figures such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. The accomplishment of these past greats underscores the magnitude of De La Cruz's achievement. Rickey Henderson, for instance, managed the feat multiple times throughout his illustrious career, while Joe Morgan redefined the second baseman position with his unique combination of power and speed in the 1970s.
Rickey Henderson and Joe Morgan's contributions to the game are immortalized in the Hall of Fame, and their inclusion in the 20-60 club highlights the company De La Cruz now keeps. Moreover, three of the players in this exclusive club have earned MVP honors in their respective milestone seasons: Joe Morgan in 1976, Rickey Henderson in 1990, and most recently, Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023.
Historical Context
The historical context of De La Cruz's achievement is particularly striking when considering the last time the 80-steal mark was reached. That milestone was last achieved in 1988 by Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman. In an era marked by declining stolen base numbers, De La Cruz's success is a notable exception and a reminder of the dynamic elements that speed brings to the game of baseball.
While De La Cruz has yet to reach the 80-steal mark, his current pace and prowess on the basepaths invite comparisons to the greats of previous eras. His youth, combined with his already impressive accomplishments, suggests that he may continue to rewrite the record books in the years to come.
Looking Ahead
As of August 21, the current date, De La Cruz's 2024 season still holds potential for further milestones. The Reds' young phenom has the opportunity to add to his home run and stolen base totals, potentially setting new standards for future generations of players. His combination of speed, power, and baseball acumen has already made him a fan favorite and a key player for the Reds.
In a sport that cherishes its history and records, Elly De La Cruz has already made a significant mark. His 60th stolen base not only places him in the same conversation as some of the game's legends but also establishes him as a player to watch going forward. The feats he has accomplished this season will be remembered and celebrated by baseball fans for years to come. De La Cruz's journey is far from over, and the excitement surrounding his future achievements promises to keep the baseball world enthralled.