Elly De La Cruz Joins Baseball's Elite with 20-60 Milestone
Elly De La Cruz, the 22-year-old shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, has made headlines once again by joining an exclusive club in Major League Baseball. On August 21, De La Cruz recorded his 60th stolen base of the season during a game in Toronto, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. This achievement places him among the elite group of players who have not only demonstrated blazing speed but also considerable power.
Impressive Feat
Stealing 60 bases in a single season is no small feat; doing so while hitting at least 20 home runs puts De La Cruz in rarified air. With 21 home runs and 60 stolen bases in the 2024 season, he joins legends like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and modern star Ronald Acuña Jr. in the 20-60 club. Remarkably, only eight seasons in MLB history feature a player achieving this milestone, five of which were achieved by Hall of Famers.
Rickey Henderson, a name synonymous with base stealing, achieved the 20-60 milestone multiple times throughout his illustrious career. Joe Morgan, a two-time MVP, revolutionized the second baseman position with his combination of power and speed during the 1970s. Today, Elly De La Cruz continues this legacy, leading the majors in stolen bases, demonstrating not just speed but baseball intelligence and timing.
Breaking the Slump
What makes De La Cruz's accomplishment even more impressive is the context in which it was achieved. His 60th stolen base came after an 11-day hiatus from successful steals, his last being recorded on August 8th. This break in action, far from deterring him, seemed to fuel his determination to reach new heights. With a little over a month left in the season, there’s potential for more memorable moments.
A Historic Season
In his first full season with the Reds, De La Cruz's combination of speed and power has captivated fans and analysts alike. His performance thus far cements him as one of the most exciting young players in the game today. As the season progresses, eyes will be on him to see if he can further solidify his place in baseball history, perhaps even challenging records held by the legendary Henderson and Vince Coleman, the last players to reach the 80-steal mark, a feat last accomplished in 1988.
Elite Company
The current 20-60 club has produced three MVPs: Joe Morgan in 1976, Rickey Henderson in 1990, and Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023. While it remains to be seen if Elly De La Cruz will capture the MVP award this season, his inclusion in such an illustrious group underscores the exceptional nature of his talents. The idea of giving fans a player who could recreate the thrill brought by legends from past decades brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement for the future of the sport.
As we move deeper into the season, speculation will undoubtedly grow regarding the impact De La Cruz will make. Will he join the ranks of those who have drastically reshaped their teams’ destinies? With continued growth and similar milestones, he has the potential to be one of the game's transformative figures.
A Player to Watch
Given his youth, at just 22 years old, fans of the Reds and baseball at large have much to anticipate with Elly De La Cruz. His trajectory suggests a career filled with dynamic, game-changing potential. As the calendar edges closer to play-off contention, all eyes will be on De La Cruz to see if he can keep delivering at this high level.
In the landscape of MLB, replete with its ever-evolving talent pool, Elly De La Cruz has emerged not just as a player to watch but as one who might redefine the benchmarks of excellence. As he continues to etch his name in the annals of baseball history, his journey offers a glimpse into what the future holds for America’s pastime.