Elly De La Cruz Joins Exclusive Club with 60th Stolen Base
In a remarkable achievement during the 2024 season, Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds' shortstop, has firmly cemented his place among baseball's elite. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz stole his 60th base during a game in Toronto, showcasing his incredible speed and prowess on the base paths. This milestone propels him into the exclusive 20-60 club, a rarefied group that includes some of the game's greatest players.
An Elite Company
Joining the likes of Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr., De La Cruz's feat is a testament to his electrifying combination of power and speed. With 21 home runs and 60 stolen bases this season, he is now part of a club that has only been achieved in eight seasons of Major League Baseball history.
Rickey Henderson, widely considered the greatest base stealer in the history of the game, achieved the 20-60 milestone multiple times during his illustrious career. Henderson, who last hit the 80-steal mark in 1988 along with Vince Coleman, is a Hall of Famer whose name is synonymous with speed. Joe Morgan, another Hall of Famer, revolutionized the second baseman position in the 1970s with his blend of power and speed, achieving the 20-60 feat and earning an MVP title in 1976. Recently, Ronald Acuña Jr. joined this esteemed company, achieving the milestone in the 2023 season and earning an MVP award for his stellar performance.
Season Highlights
The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for De La Cruz, demonstrating his incredible potential and resilience. Despite leading the majors in stolen bases, he experienced a dry spell, not successfully stealing a base since August 8th. However, this brief hiatus did little to dampen his spirit or affect his game, as he swiftly rebounded to capture his 60th steal on August 21st, marking a significant personal and professional achievement.
What makes De La Cruz's accomplishment even more fascinating is the rarity of the 20-60 club itself. With only eight seasons in the annals of MLB history seeing a player hit this milestone, it speaks volumes about the exceptional talent and dedication required to reach such heights. Moreover, five of these milestones were achieved by players who later were inducted into the Hall of Fame, underscoring the caliber of athletes who manage to combine such power and speed effectively.
A New Generation
At 22 years old, De La Cruz represents a new generation of baseball talent, blending traditional athletic skills with modern training and analytics. His ability to read pitchers, anticipate plays, and make split-second decisions extends beyond raw speed. It's a comprehensive skill set honed through countless hours of practice, video analysis, and in-game experience.
The young Reds shortstop has not only provided fans with thrilling moments this season but also inspired his teammates and peers. His performance on the field has been a driving force for the Reds, bringing energy and a competitive edge to each game.
Elly De La Cruz's inclusion in the 20-60 club is a monumental personal milestone and a significant moment in the 2024 MLB season. As he continues to develop and hone his skills, the baseball world will undoubtedly watch with great interest. This young star’s journey is far from over, and his next achievements will likely be met with the same admiration and awe as his entry into this elite group.