Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite 20-60 Club
In the world of Major League Baseball, milestones are hallowed ground, etched into the annals of history. On August 21, Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds' dynamic young shortstop, etched his name into the record books with a feat of both speed and power that few have accomplished before. In a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, De La Cruz swiped his 60th stolen base of the season, joining the exclusive 20-60 club—a select group that has seen only eight such seasons in MLB history.
De La Cruz, just 22 years old, is having an unforgettable 2024 season. With not only 60 stolen bases but also 21 home runs to his name, he has showcased a rare combination of speed and power that positions him among the game's elite. He leads the majors in stolen bases, a testament to his daring on the basepaths and the integral role he plays in Cincinnati’s lineup.
The shortstop's 60th stolen base came after a significant gap; he hadn't successfully stolen a base since August 8. This hiatus made the achievement even more dramatic when he finally took off once again in Toronto, reaffirming his status as one of the game's premier base stealers.
Legends of the 20-60 Club
Elly De La Cruz's entry into the 20-60 club places him in the company of legendary figures like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Each of these players has left an indelible mark on the game with their unique blend of power and speed.
Rickey Henderson, often heralded as the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer in baseball history, achieved the 20-60 milestone multiple times throughout his storied career. His unparalleled ability to read pitchers and accelerate to top speed in an instant made him a nightmare for opposing teams.
Joe Morgan, who redefined the second baseman position during the 1970s, also carved out a place in the 20-60 club. Known for his compact yet powerful swing and his excellent baserunning skills, Morgan was a central figure in the "Big Red Machine" Cincinnati Reds teams. He showcased how the combination of power and speed could redefine a position traditionally known for defense and contact hitting.
Ronald Acuña Jr., the latest player to enter the club before De La Cruz, did so in the 2023 season. His sensational all-around play earned him recognition not only for his base stealing but also for his prolific home run totals.
An Achievement of Hall-of-Fame Caliber
Historically, the 20-60 achievement is a rare milestone, with five out of the eight seasons being accomplished by future Hall of Famers. This context underscores the magnitude of De La Cruz's accomplishment—he is positioning himself among the all-time greats.
Moreover, the last time the baseball world saw a player reach the 80-steal mark was back in 1988, when Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman both achieved it. While De La Cruz hasn’t reached that lofty number yet, his penchant for stealing bases suggests that he might one day ascend to that echelon as well.
A Season to Remember
The 2024 season is shaping up to be one for the ages for Elly De La Cruz. His 21 home runs and 60 stolen bases reflect his versatility and aggressive style of play. Such a blend of power and speed hasn’t been seen in recent years, making each Reds game a showcase of his talent and a potential chapter in what could become an illustrious career.
As the current season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how much further De La Cruz can push his remarkable numbers. Each stolen base, each home run, takes him one step closer to further cementing his place in baseball history. His entry into the 20-60 club is not just a personal triumph but also a reminder of how the game continues to evolve and produce new legends who carry the sport forward.