A Rising Star Joins the Elite: Elly De La Cruz's Historic Achievement
Elly De La Cruz is quickly solidifying his place among baseball's legends. The 22-year-old Reds shortstop added another highlight to his meteoric rise by joining an exclusive club of players who have achieved at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. With his 60th stolen base during a game in Toronto, De La Cruz has etched his name alongside some of the sport's greatest.
A Season for the Ages
The 2024 season has been nothing short of remarkable for De La Cruz. As of August 21, he has accumulated 21 home runs and 60 stolen bases, leading the majors in the latter category. This young phenom stands as a beacon of power and speed, a rare combination that only a few have managed to harness effectively.
Over the course of Major League Baseball history, only eight seasons have featured a player achieving the 20-60 milestone. Notably, five of these seasons were accomplished by Hall of Fame players—a testament to the difficulty and prestige of the feat. De La Cruz now finds his name in the same breath as legends like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr.
Elite Company
The “20-60 club” is one of baseball's most exclusive. Rickey Henderson, renowned for his speed and leadoff prowess, accomplished this feat multiple times in his illustrious career. Joe Morgan redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s with his unparalleled blend of power and speed, capturing the MVP award in 1976. Most recently, Ronald Acuña Jr. joined this elite group and hoisted the MVP trophy in 2023.
In fact, only three MVPs belong to this illustrious club: Joe Morgan, Rickey Henderson, and Ronald Acuña Jr. It's a remarkable cadre that underscores the extraordinary talent and significant impact these rare players have had on the game.
A Long-Awaited Milestone
De La Cruz's 60th stolen base was particularly notable as it marked his first stolen base since August 8th. Despite this brief drought, his consistency and perseverance have remained unwavering, cementing his status as a dominant force on the basepaths. His prowess in stealing bases and hitting home runs echoes the versatile skill sets of the greats who came before him.
Historical Context
To put De La Cruz's achievement into perspective, the last time any player reached the 80-steal mark was back in 1988, accomplished by none other than Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman. This record highlights how rare and celebrated exemplary base stealers are in modern baseball.
De La Cruz’s elite combination of power and speed speaks volumes about his athleticism and versatility, qualities that have rendered him a crucial asset for the Reds. In an era where specialization often overshadows well-rounded skill sets, De La Cruz stands out as a reminder of the historical value and excitement that dual-threat players bring to the sport.
The Road Ahead
While there are still games to be played in the 2024 season, Elly De La Cruz's accomplishments thus far have already cemented his reputation as one of the game's most exciting young stars. His ability to blend power with speed places him in the upper echelon of baseball talent, and his future in the sport looks exceptionally bright.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see what further milestones this phenom can achieve. De La Cruz has proven that he has the talent to carve out a legendary career and, if his current trajectory continues, he's on track to not only meet but perhaps even surpass the legacies of those who have come before him.
In the annals of baseball history, Elly De La Cruz is a name that will be remembered for his remarkable contributions and for continuing the tradition of power and speed in America's pastime.