Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Club with 60th Stolen Base
In a thrilling game in Toronto, Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds etched his name in the annals of baseball history by securing his 60th stolen base of the 2024 season. At just 22 years old, the Reds shortstop has achieved a feat that places him among some of the greatest players to ever grace the diamond.
With this milestone, De La Cruz has joined the exclusive 20-60 club—an achievement denoting a season with at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases. This rare accomplishment solidifies his position as one of the most dynamic players in Major League Baseball today. In the 2024 season, De La Cruz has already notched 21 home runs, complementing his remarkable base-stealing prowess.
The 20-60 club is a who's who of baseball legends, featuring names like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. These players not only displayed immense talent but also left an indelible mark on the sport. Henderson, who managed this incredible feat multiple times, is celebrated for his unparalleled base-stealing ability. Meanwhile, Morgan, a two-time MVP, redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s with his unique blend of power and speed.
The significance of De La Cruz's achievement is further highlighted by the rarity of the 20-60 milestone in MLB history. Only eight seasons have seen a player reach this pinnacle. Impressively, five of those eight seasons were accomplished by players who have since been enshrined in the Hall of Fame, underscoring the elite company De La Cruz now keeps.
His 60th stolen base not only places him at the top of the majors for stolen bases this season but also ends a brief drought. De La Cruz hadn’t successfully stolen a base since August 8th, making his recent accomplishment even more significant. The Reds shortstop’s speed and agility on the bases have been a game-changer for his team, creating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the season.
Historic Milestone Under the Bright Lights of Toronto
The setting for De La Cruz’s historic steal couldn't have been more fitting. Under the bright lights in Toronto, with fans on the edge of their seats, the young shortstop took off, securing his place in the record books and further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s premier talents.
Base stealing, a lost art for many modern players, has seen a resurgence thanks to athletes like De La Cruz. His ability to read pitchers, coupled with his lightning-fast sprint speeds, brings to mind the glory days of base stealing. Remarkably, the 80-steal mark hasn’t been reached since 1988, when both Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman showcased their extraordinary talents. While De La Cruz is still some way off from those numbers, his 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular.
De La Cruz’s contributions have been invaluable for the Reds, who have relied on his aggressive base-running and powerful hitting to stay competitive. Young, talented, and driven, he exemplifies the modern prototype of an MLB player—athletic, skillful, and versatile.
The Legacy of the 20-60 Club
As De La Cruz joins the likes of Henderson, Morgan, and Acuña Jr., it’s worth noting the impact these players have had on the game. Henderson’s multiple 20-60 seasons, combined with his record-holding 1,406 career steals, represent the gold standard in base stealing. Morgan’s revolutionary approach to the second baseman position in the 1970s earned him the MVP title in 1976, while Acuña Jr.’s 2023 season added a modern twist to the storied legacy of the 20-60 club.
Each member of this exclusive list has brought something unique to the game, further enriching its history and inspiring future generations of players. De La Cruz, with his 60th stolen base, now contributes a new chapter to this ongoing story.
The current date being August 21, there remains plenty of time in the 2024 season for De La Cruz to add to his already impressive tally. Each game presents another opportunity for him to amaze fans and solidify his status as one of baseball’s brightest stars.
His journey to joining the 20-60 club is a testament to his hard work, talent, and determination. As the season progresses, Elly De La Cruz will undoubtedly continue to be a name to watch, not just for Reds fans but for baseball enthusiasts everywhere.