Elly De La Cruz Joins Exclusive 20-60 Club
Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz has solidified his place among Major League Baseball's elite with his 60th stolen base of the season. This remarkable achievement places him in the illustrious 20-60 club, a rare accomplishment that includes some of baseball's greatest players. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz leads the majors in stolen bases and has become only the eighth player in MLB history to achieve at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season.
De La Cruz's milestone came during a game in Toronto, marking a significant moment in a season that has already seen him hit 21 home runs. This achievement is particularly impressive given that he hadn't successfully stolen a base since August 8th. His combination of power and speed echoes the feats of past legends, offering fans a glimpse of what might be a Hall of Fame trajectory.
The 20-60 Club's Elite Company
De La Cruz now shares the 20-60 milestone with iconic players like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. The exclusive club showcases a unique blend of power and speed, redefining player expectations. Rickey Henderson's presence in the club is especially notable, as he accomplished the feat multiple times throughout his storied career.
Joe Morgan, another member of the 20-60 club, redefined the second baseman position with his exceptional power-speed combination in the 1970s. His MVP season in 1976 remains one of the standout performances in MLB history. Ronald Acuña Jr., who achieved the milestone in 2023, continues to demonstrate the dynamic skillset required to join such esteemed ranks.
A Historic Season for De La Cruz
The 2024 season has proven to be a historic one for De La Cruz, as he cements his status as one of the game's most electrifying talents. Accomplishing the 20-60 milestone is a testament to his work ethic and athletic prowess, placing him among baseball's most versatile players. This achievement has been seen only eight times in the long history of Major League Baseball, further illustrating its rarity.
Of the eight seasons featuring a player who achieved the 20-60 milestone, five were accomplished by Hall of Famers. De La Cruz's impressive performance this season is a clear indicator that he might follow in the footsteps of these legends. His 60th stolen base also reaffirms the young shortstop's dominance on the basepaths, a skill that has made him the league leader in stolen bases.
The Legacy of Speed and Power
The current crop of players pushing the boundaries of stolen bases and home runs is a nod to the game's storied past. The 80-steal mark, last reached in 1988 by Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman, serves as a reminder of an era where stolen bases were more prevalent. De La Cruz's accomplishments this season may inspire a renewed focus on the art of base stealing, blending old-school tactics with modern athleticism.
As the calendar marks August 21, the young star's achievements this year have already drawn comparisons to some of the game's all-time greats. The three MVPs within the 20-60 club, Joe Morgan (1976), Rickey Henderson (1990), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023), highlight the significance of such an achievement. For De La Cruz, joining this elite company is not just a personal milestone but a contribution to the rich legacy of baseball.
Elly De La Cruz's achievements this season are a testament to his unique talent and dedication. As he continues to carve out his place in baseball history, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what the future holds for this extraordinary player. The 20-60 mark is just one chapter in what promises to be an illustrious career, and for De La Cruz, the sky's the limit.