Elly De La Cruz Joins Exclusive 20-60 Club Amid Stellar Season
Elly De La Cruz, the dynamic shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, has firmly etched his name in the annals of baseball history with a remarkable achievement. At just 22 years old, De La Cruz successfully stole his 60th base of the season during a game in Toronto, a feat that places him among an elite group of players.
De La Cruz's accomplishment is significant not only for its rarity but for the company it places him in. The 20-60 club — players who have hit at least 20 home runs and stolen at least 60 bases in a single season — includes legendary names like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. This milestone underscores De La Cruz’s extraordinary combination of power and speed, a blend that has redefined what is expected from players at his position.
Joining the Legends
This season, De La Cruz has hit 21 home runs and stolen 60 bases, making him one of only eight players in MLB history to achieve the 20-60 milestone. It’s a club that's not just exclusive but one that is predominantly populated by Hall of Famers. Remarkably, five of the eight players to reach these heights now have plaques in Cooperstown. Although the current date is just August 21, De La Cruz has already made a compelling case for his impact on the game.
Rickey Henderson, a name synonymous with base stealing, achieved the 20-60 mark multiple times during his career and was the last player, alongside Vince Coleman, to reach the 80-stolen base milestone back in 1988. Joe Morgan, another member of the 20-60 club, redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s with his unique blend of power and speed, while Ronald Acuña Jr. earned MVP honors in 2023 after his own dazzling season. These players did not just perform—they excelled in ways that reshaped the landscape of the sport.
A Season Full of Highlights
Leading the majors in stolen bases, De La Cruz has proven to be a pivotal asset for the Reds. Despite a short dry spell, where he hadn't successfully stolen a base since August 8th before his 60th, his agility and speed have remained focal points of his game. What’s more, his contribution goes beyond base stealing; his 21 home runs this season underscore his versatility and offensive prowess.
De La Cruz’s exceptional performance is not merely about the numbers. It is also about the quality of the competition and the circumstances under which these numbers have been produced. The fact that only three players in the 20-60 club have also been MVPs—Joe Morgan (1976), Rickey Henderson (1990), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023)—speaks volumes about the elite nature of this achievement and sets a gold standard for the young shortstop to aim for in the future.
The Road Ahead
While De La Cruz’s milestone is worth celebrating, it also sets the stage for what promises to be an illustrious career. A player's sophomore season is often marked by adjustments from League pitchers, but De La Cruz's ability to stay ahead of the curve with his blend of speed and power is indicative of a talent that could flourish for years.
As the 2024 season progresses, eyes will undoubtedly remain fixed on De La Cruz, not just for his current performance but for the potential records he may shatter down the line. Will he be able to join Henderson and Coleman in the 80-stolen base milestone, or even surpass them? Such conversation is no longer speculative but a tangible possibility, given his current trajectory.
For now, Cincinnati Reds fans and baseball enthusiasts alike have every reason to be excited. De La Cruz's entry into the 20-60 club serves as a reminder of how one player’s excellence can electrify a season and inspire the next generation of athletes.
In a sport revered for its history and tradition, Elly De La Cruz’s name is quickly becoming synonymous with greatness. This season is but a chapter of a story that seems destined to build a legacy worth following.