Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with 60th Stolen Base
In a remarkable season that continues to elevate him among baseball's elite, Elly De La Cruz has added another milestone to his burgeoning career. The Cincinnati Reds' 22-year-old shortstop achieved his 60th stolen base of the season during a recent game in Toronto, joining a rarefied group of players known for their exceptional blend of power and speed.
De La Cruz's achievement sees him join the exclusive "20-60 club" -- a group of players who have hit at least 20 home runs and stolen at least 60 bases in a single season. This club includes some of the game's most legendary figures: Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Remarkably, only eight seasons in MLB history have included a player reaching this 20-60 milestone, underscoring the rarity of this dual-threat capability.
Rickey Henderson, one of the most iconic members of the club, accomplished the feat multiple times over his illustrious career, including 1988, the last season in which the 80-steal mark was reached. Vince Coleman is another member who achieved this remarkable milestone during that year.
Joe Morgan, who is often credited with redefining the second baseman position with his combination of power and speed in the 1970s, is another Hall of Famer who belongs to this exclusive club. His overall impact on the game during that era earned him two National League MVP awards and solidified his legacy as one of the best to ever play the game.
Ronald Acuña Jr., who achieved the 20-60 milestone in 2023, rounds out the three MVPs in this club, joining Joe Morgan (1976) and Rickey Henderson (1990) in this extraordinary achievement. Their feats are now matched by De La Cruz, whose 21 home runs and 60 stolen bases this season continue to wow baseball fans and analysts alike.
Elly De La Cruz's lead in the majors in stolen bases signifies not only his speed but also his strategic mastery on the base paths. As of the current date, August 21, his base-running prowess has helped spark dynamic offensive opportunities for the Reds, who have come to rely on his versatility.
However, De La Cruz's path to this milestone wasn't without its hurdles. Before his 60th stolen base, he hadn't successfully stolen a base since August 8th, making his achievement all the more impressive. This brief drought seemed to invigorate him, demonstrating his resilience and ability to elevate his game under pressure.
At just 22 years old, Elly De La Cruz's combination of youth, skill, and athleticism suggests that his best years are still ahead of him. His inclusion in the 20-60 club, among players who are either enshrined in the Hall of Fame or are on a certain path to Cooperstown, speaks volumes about his potential to shape the future of baseball.
The Cincinnati Reds' faithful have every reason to be optimistic about their shortstop's future. De La Cruz has already etched his name alongside the greats of the game in a very short time. If he continues on this trajectory, he'll not only lead the league in stolen bases but possibly redefine expectations for what a modern baseball player can achieve.
As this season progresses, all eyes will be on De La Cruz to see how far he can push his limits. His incredible start suggests that more records and milestones may fall as he continues to mature and hone his skills. Whatever the outcome, Elly De La Cruz has already cemented his place among the sport's elite, ensuring that his name will be one spoken with reverence for years to come.