Elly De La Cruz Joins Exclusive 20-60 Club with Impressive Stolen Bases Feat
In an age when power often overshadows speed on the baseball diamond, Elly De La Cruz has managed to captivate fans and analysts alike by excelling in both. The 22-year-old Cincinnati Reds shortstop reached a remarkable milestone during a game in Toronto, swiping his 60th base of the season. This achievement not only cements his place as the current leader in stolen bases but also marks his entry into the exclusive 20-60 club—a feat accomplished by only a handful of players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history.
De La Cruz's journey to this milestone hasn't been a smooth ride. The young shortstop had not successfully stolen a base since August 8th, making his 60th steal on August 21 all the more exhilarating for both him and his fans. Combining his agility on the base paths with considerable power at the plate, De La Cruz has hit 21 home runs this season, thereby meeting the 20-60 benchmark. This accomplishment puts him in rarefied air, a realm previously inhabited by legends like Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr.
Historic Achievement
The 20-60 club is more than just a statistical curiosity; it symbolizes a rare blend of speed and power that few players in MLB history have managed to achieve. Rickey Henderson, often regarded as one of the greatest base stealers in baseball history, accomplished this feat multiple times during his storied career. Known for his electrifying speed and tenacity, Henderson last reached the 80-steal mark back in 1988, a year that also saw Vince Coleman achieving the same milestone. Their performances set a gold standard for base stealing, one that few have approached in the years since.
Joe Morgan, another member of this elite club, redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s through his unique combination of power and speed. His 20-60 accomplishment came during a transformative period for the game, and he remains a benchmark for positional versatility to this day. Meanwhile, Ronald Acuña Jr., the most recent member of the club before De La Cruz, originally achieved the feat in 2023.
As of now, there have been only eight seasons in MLB history where a player has managed to hit 20 home runs and steal 60 bases. This statistical rarity underscores the difficulty of the task—achieving it demands not only a unique skill set but also exceptional consistency and athleticism over the course of the season. Notably, five of these milestones were reached by Hall of Famers, further illustrating the elite company De La Cruz now keeps.
A Bright Future
For Cincinnati Reds fans, De La Cruz's achievement is more than just a personal milestone; it's a beacon of hope for the franchise's future. At just 22 years old, he has already shown flashes of brilliance that could make him a cornerstone for the Reds in the years to come. His combination of speed and power evokes memories of some of the game's greats and sets high expectations for what he might accomplish as his career unfolds.
It’s worth mentioning the figures within the 20-60 club who have been awarded the MVP title, further elevating the significance of this accomplishment. Joe Morgan earned the MVP award in 1976, Rickey Henderson in 1990, and Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023. As De La Cruz continues to develop, his potential to impact games consistently and elevate his team could well position him as a future MVP candidate.
In a year filled with statistical marvels and memorable performances, De La Cruz's entry into the 20-60 club stands out as a particularly bright highlight. His 60th stolen base isn't just a number; it's a testament to his athletic prowess, relentless effort, and the unique skills that make him one of the most exciting young talents in baseball today.