Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with 60th Stolen Base
In a game filled with remarkable achievements and unforgettable moments, Elly De La Cruz has firmly etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball history. On August 21, the Reds’ dynamic 22-year-old shortstop stole his 60th base of the season during a game in Toronto, joining an elite and historically significant club.
With that swipe, De La Cruz not only leads the majors in stolen bases but also becomes the latest member of the exclusive 20-60 club. This elite fraternity includes baseball legends such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr., all of whom have achieved the stunning feat of recording at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. De La Cruz’s achievement places him among the game’s most versatile and electrifying talents.
Having not successfully stolen a base since August 8, De La Cruz’s return to base-stealing form was anxiously awaited by fans and analysts alike. His 60th stolen base of the season underscores the potential and talent that the young shortstop possesses. His year has been marked by not only his prowess on the basepaths but also his impressive power at the plate, with 21 home runs to his name in the 2024 season.
“The 20-60 club is a rare achievement that signifies a combination of speed, skill, and power,” said a baseball historian. “Rickey Henderson accomplished this feat multiple times throughout his illustrious career, redefining what it meant to be a prolific base-stealer with power. Joe Morgan, known for revolutionizing the second baseman position during the 1970s, and Ronald Acuña Jr., who solidified his legacy with an MVP season in 2023, represent the very best of this unique mold of players.”
With only eight seasons in MLB history featuring a player achieving the 20-60 milestone, De La Cruz’s entry into this exclusive club is a testament to his exceptional all-around ability. Five of these milestones have been set by Hall of Famers, showcasing just how challenging and rare this accomplishment is. De La Cruz has not only met but surpassed expectations, demonstrating that his speed and power make him a dual-threat every time he steps onto the field.
The significance of his 60th stolen base is further accentuated by the historical context of base stealing in Major League Baseball. The 80-steal mark, a gold standard of base-stealing prowess, was last reached in 1988 by both Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman. While De La Cruz’s achievements don't quite reach that lofty number, they still signal a resurgence of this exciting aspect of the game, harkening back to an era when stealing bases was an art form and game-changer.
Beyond the stats, it's the impact of Elly De La Cruz’s performance on his team and the game that stands out. His combination of speed and power brings a different energy and dynamic to the Reds, inspiring teammates and captivating fans. The legacy he is building, much like those of Henderson, Morgan, and Acuña Jr., is one that encompasses more than just numbers—it’s also about the excitement and possibilities he brings to the diamond every game.
“Joe Morgan’s 1976 MVP season was a transformative period for baseball,” said a veteran sports analyst. “The same goes for Rickey Henderson’s MVP run in 1990, which showcased his unparalleled ability to dominate both as a hitter and a base-stealer. Ronald Acuña Jr.’s MVP performance in 2023 similarly rewrote the narrative for combination players. De La Cruz, with his spectacular blend of home runs and stolen bases, is on a similar trajectory.”
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on De La Cruz to see how he continues to shape the narrative of his burgeoning career. Every game provides another opportunity for him to further cement his place among the greats of the game. For fans of the Reds and baseball aficionados worldwide, De La Cruz’s performances offer a thrilling glimpse into the future of the sport. His achievement of joining the 20-60 club doesn’t just highlight his individual brilliance—it also celebrates the timeless allure and challenge of America’s pastime.