Elly De La Cruz Joins Elite Company with Historic 20-60 Season
In the heart of Toronto, Elly De La Cruz etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball history, stealing his 60th base of the season and joining the elite 20-60 club. De La Cruz, a dynamic shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, not only leads the majors in stolen bases but also adds another dimension to his game with his power hitting, having accumulated 21 home runs this season.
At just 22 years of age, De La Cruz’s combination of speed and power has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats. Achieving at least 20 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season is a feat reserved for a select few, placing De La Cruz in the company of legends such as Rickey Henderson, Joe Morgan, and Ronald Acuña Jr.
Power and Speed: A Rare Combination
The 20-60 club is an exclusive fraternity in MLB history. Rickey Henderson, renowned for his unprecedented base-stealing prowess, achieved this milestone multiple times during his career. Henderson, along with Joe Morgan—who redefined the second baseman position in the 1970s with his blend of power and speed—and Ronald Acuña Jr., represent the epitome of dual-threat capabilities in baseball.
To put this into perspective, only eight seasons in the extensive chronicles of Major League Baseball have featured a player reaching the 20-60 milestone. Notably, five of these remarkable seasons were accomplished by Hall of Famers, underscoring the significance of what De La Cruz has achieved this year.
A Season for the Ages
The 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary for Elly De La Cruz. Despite a hiatus from successful stolen bases since August 8th, De La Cruz’s determination and tenacity culminated in his 60th steal during a crucial game against Toronto. With this achievement, he not only solidified his standing as the premier base-stealer in the majors but also became the youngest player since Acuña to reach the vaunted 20-60 mark.
In a season defined by historical milestones, De La Cruz has joined the ranks of MVPs, with Joe Morgan (1976), Rickey Henderson (1990), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023) all having achieved the 20-60 feat during their MVP-winning campaigns. The electricity surrounding De La Cruz's quest for greatness electrified Reds fans and captivated baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
Looking Back at the Legends
The legacy of Rickey Henderson and his multiple 20-60 seasons stands as a testament to unparalleled excellence. Henderson's achievements in the 1980s, which included the last 80-steal mark in 1988 alongside Vince Coleman, remain benchmarks for aspiring base-stealers. Joe Morgan's integration of power hitting and base-stealing during the 1970s transformed the second baseman role, setting new standards for future generations.
Meanwhile, Ronald Acuña Jr. continues to exemplify the modern archetype of a power-speed player. His 2023 season further established the 20-60 club as an indicator of MVP-caliber performance. Elly De La Cruz's inclusion in this group speaks volumes about his potential and the heights he could reach in his burgeoning career.
The Future Looks Bright
As of August 21, Elly De La Cruz stands poised to continue making history with every game he plays. His youth, athleticism, and baseball acumen suggest that his current achievements could merely be the beginning of a storied career. For the Cincinnati Reds, and fans across the globe, De La Cruz’s remarkable 2024 season is a captivating narrative of talent, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.