Elly De La Cruz Joins Legendary 20-60 Club with 60th Stolen Base
Elly De La Cruz is swiftly cementing his place in baseball history. The talented 22-year-old Reds shortstop reached another significant milestone, swiping his 60th stolen base of the season during a game in Toronto. This achievement has propelled him into the elite company of the rare 20-60 club, a cohort of players distinguished by their unique blend of power and speed.
With this feat, De La Cruz joins an exclusive list of baseball legends, including Hall of Famers Rickey Henderson and Joe Morgan, as well as modern superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. The 20-60 club recognizes players who have managed at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season – a testament to their dual-threat capabilities. De La Cruz's remarkable stats for the 2024 season include 21 home runs and 60 stolen bases.
The rarity of this accomplishment cannot be overstated. Only eight seasons in Major League Baseball history feature a player who has reached the 20-60 milestone. Five of those seasons were accomplished by Hall of Famers, highlighting the exceptional nature of this achievement. Rickey Henderson, known for his prolific career in base-stealing and power-hitting, achieved this feat multiple times. Joe Morgan, who redefined the second baseman position with his combination of power and speed during the 1970s, also makes this prestigious list.
A Season of Highlights
Elly De La Cruz's 2024 campaign has been nothing short of electrifying. Leading the majors in stolen bases, he has dazzled fans and confounded pitchers with his swift base-running acumen. His ability to combine speed and power makes him a continual threat on the diamond. Yet, this success did not come without its challenges. Before swiping his 60th base, De La Cruz experienced a drought, having not successfully stolen a base since August 8th. This hiatus adds another layer of determination to his recent achievement.
In context, such feats elevate De La Cruz not just within the ranks of active players but also in the historical echelon of the sport. The last time the 80-steal mark was reached was in 1988 by Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman, further underlining the uniqueness of De La Cruz's accomplishment in an era that often prioritizes power over speed.
An Elite Company
The 20-60 club is about more than just raw numbers; it signifies a player who can influence the game in multiple dimensions. This club’s members have historically made significant impacts on and off the field. Joe Morgan, who earned the MVP award in 1976, was a pivotal figure in the Cincinnati Reds' dominance during that period. Rickey Henderson, the 1990 AL MVP, brought an unparalleled flair and effectiveness to base stealing, altering how teams approached the game. Ronald Acuña Jr., the latest member before De La Cruz, captured the MVP in 2023, demonstrating that the blend of power and speed continues to be a valuable asset in today’s game.
For Elly De La Cruz, joining the storied 20-60 club as a 22-year-old is an impressive hallmark that may well be indicative of even greater achievements to come. His performance this season has captivated audiences and earned him a place among the sport's notables – a young star blazing his own trail while honoring the greats who came before him.
As the 2024 season moves forward, the baseball world eagerly watches to see how De La Cruz will continue to shape his legacy. His combination of speed and power is a thrilling reminder of the multifaceted talent that defines the most exciting players in the game’s history.