A Landmark Achievement for Elly De La Cruz
At just 22 years old, Elly De La Cruz is making history. The Reds shortstop recently joined an elite group by reaching his 60th stolen base of the season during a game in Toronto. This feat not only underscores his remarkable athletic prowess but also places him among the legends of Major League Baseball (MLB). The date was August 21, and fans witnessed a monumental moment as De La Cruz led the majors in stolen bases, solidifying his status as one of the most dynamic players in the game.
Breaking into the 20-60 Club
With his impressive combination of speed and power, De La Cruz has hit 21 home runs this season, making him a member of the exclusive 20-60 club. This remarkable achievement, featuring at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season, includes only the crème de la crème of MLB: Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Notably, Henderson achieved this feat multiple times throughout his illustrious career. The fact that only eight seasons in MLB history have seen a player reach this milestone highlights the rarity and significance of De La Cruz's accomplishment.
Additionally, five of the 20-60 milestones belong to Hall of Famers, underscoring the elite nature of this club. Among its members, Joe Morgan is particularly notable for redefining the second baseman position with his unique blend of power and speed during the 1970s. It’s clear that achieving such a milestone often portends a career bound for greatness.
Overcoming Obstacles
De La Cruz's journey to his 60th stolen base wasn't without its hurdles. He hadn't successfully stolen a base since August 8th, making his achievement in Toronto even more momentous. This minor slump could have easily shaken a less determined player, but De La Cruz demonstrated resilience, bouncing back when it mattered most.
Historical Context
The last time the MLB saw a player reach the 80-stolen base mark was back in 1988, accomplished by Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman. Though De La Cruz's 60 stolen bases are shy of this figure, his achievements are undoubtedly remarkable in the current era of baseball, where such numbers are rarely seen.
A Future Star
The 20-60 club is not just an exclusive group but also one that includes multiple MVPs. Joe Morgan, Rickey Henderson, and Ronald Acuña Jr. have all won MVP awards in the years they achieved this milestone—1976, 1990, and 2023, respectively. Given this trend, there's hardly any doubt that Elly De La Cruz has a bright future ahead of him, potentially including an MVP title if he continues his current form.
Elly De La Cruz’s emergence has brought a fresh wave of excitement to baseball. As he continues to build on his exceptional start, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what heights he’ll reach. Whether he adds an MVP to his accolades, or simply continues to thrill audiences with his blend of speed and power, one thing is certain: De La Cruz is already carving out a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.