Elly De La Cruz Joins the Elite 20-60 Club
Elly De La Cruz, the dynamic Cincinnati Reds shortstop, added another accolade to his burgeoning career. At just 22 years of age, De La Cruz has etched his name alongside some of baseball’s all-time greats by joining the exclusive 20-60 club. This exclusive group consists of players who have achieved at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single Major League Baseball season.
The celebratory moment came during a game in Toronto, where De La Cruz swiped his 60th stolen base of the season. This milestone underscores his blistering speed and exceptional game sense, making him a constant threat on the basepaths. What makes this feat even more remarkable is that De La Cruz had not successfully stolen a base since August 8th. The spotlight was firmly placed on him when he resurfaced with this dramatic achievement on August 21.
Leading the League
As it stands, Elly De La Cruz leads the majors in stolen bases, a testament to his persistent and aggressive approach to the game. This is no small feat, considering the other athletic talents across MLB. However, it's not just about the stolen bases; Elly has also hit 21 home runs this season, demonstrating a rare combination of power and speed that has baseball pundits and fans buzzing.
Being part of the 20-60 club is an ironclad validation of a player’s comprehensive skill set, blending home run capabilities with base-stealing prowess. Only eight seasons in Major League Baseball history have witnessed a player achieving such a milestone. It's worth noting that five of those milestones were accomplished by Hall of Famers.
Historical Company
Elly De La Cruz now finds himself in the esteemed company of Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr. These players didn't just make history; they served as transformative figures within the sport. Rickey Henderson, known for revolutionizing base stealing, achieved the 20-60 milestone multiple times, setting a gold standard for aspiring base stealers. Joe Morgan redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s with his blend of power and agility. Ronald Acuña Jr., a contemporary star, joined the club more recently, continuing to showcase the potent combination that has thrilled baseball audiences through the ages.
In essence, Elly De La Cruz’s impressive season serves as a bridge that connects the legends of yesteryears with the stars of tomorrow. It's worth noting that the last time the 80-steal mark was reached was in 1988 by both Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman, miraculous feats in themselves but underscoring how rare it is to witness such high levels of stolen base activity in today’s game.
MVP Pedigree
The 20-60 club also features a trio of MVPs: Joe Morgan (1976), Rickey Henderson (1990), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023). This addition enhances the prestigious nature of this club, providing Elly De La Cruz a pathway that could potentially lead to similar high honors. It's a reflection not only of individual greatness but also of a tangible impact on their respective teams’ successes.
For now, the Reds shortstop can bask in his well-deserved accolades. But one thing is for certain: in achieving this milestone so early in his career, Elly De La Cruz has shown that he has the makings of not just a star, but a legend in the sport. His name will now forever be intertwined with some of the greatest to have ever played the game. As he continues to mature and refine his craft, the baseball world will eagerly watch, anticipating many more chapters in what promises to be a storied career.
In a world where records and milestones add layers of narrative and history to the long-standing tradition of baseball, Elly De La Cruz’s entry into the 20-60 club is a moment to be celebrated, cherished, and remembered by fans, analysts, and future generations alike.