Elly De La Cruz has etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball history. The Reds' prodigious shortstop achieved his 60th stolen base of the season in a recent game against Toronto, joining an elite cadre of players who have combined power and speed in such a dazzling manner. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz's blend of raw talent and refined skill has made him a standout, not just within his team but across the majors.
A Remarkable Feat
The milestone puts De La Cruz in rarefied air. He now belongs to the exclusive 20-60 club — players who have hit at least 20 home runs and stolen 60 bases in a single season. It's a fraternity that includes legendary figures like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Within this group, De La Cruz's 2024 season has seen him tally 21 home runs alongside his 60 swipes. Remarkably, only eight seasons in MLB history feature this combined achievement, underscoring the rarity of such dual-threat capabilities in any era of the sport.
Elite Company
The 20-60 club isn't just a statistical oddity; it's a marker of greatness. Five of the eight players to reach this milestone are Hall of Famers, further validating the significance of De La Cruz's accomplishment. Rickey Henderson, an icon of speed and power, managed the 20-60 feat multiple times during his illustrious career. Joe Morgan, who redefined the second baseman role with his blend of power and agility in the 1970s, is another exemplar of this exclusive club. It's no small feat that in joining them, De La Cruz is already being mentioned in conversations about the game's best.
Triumph and Trials
Despite his youth, De La Cruz leads the majors in stolen bases, a testament to his relentless drive and exceptional athleticism. However, this journey hasn't been without its challenges. Prior to achieving his 60th stolen base, he had not successfully stolen a base since August 8th, a lull that might have affected lesser players. Nonetheless, De La Cruz displayed resilience and determination, quickly bouncing back to not only steal the coveted 60th base but to cement his status as an indispensable component of the Reds' roster.
Historical Context
The magnitude of De La Cruz's achievement becomes even more pronounced when viewed in historical context. The last time the 80-steal mark was reached was in 1988 by Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman, showcasing just how challenging it is to maintain such a prolific pace on the basepaths. Although De La Cruz is still short of this lofty 80-steal benchmark, his current progress suggests that anything is possible, especially given his youthful exuberance and evident growth potential.
MVPs and Milestones
The intersection of power and speed has often been a precursor to MVP candidacies. Three members of the 20-60 club — Joe Morgan (1976), Rickey Henderson (1990), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023) — were deemed the most valuable players in their respective seasons, further highlighting the exceptional nature of such performances. While De La Cruz's current trajectory is awe-inspiring, drawing comparisons to these all-time greats will depend on his ability to sustain and build upon his achievements.
As the 2024 MLB season continues, all eyes will be on Elly De La Cruz. His dynamic play and landmark achievements have already captured the imagination of fans and commentators alike. Whether he can push the boundaries even further remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Elly De La Cruz is a name destined for greatness.