Elly De La Cruz Makes History with Elite Stolen Base Milestone
The Cincinnati Reds’ shortstop, Elly De La Cruz, has been making waves in the MLB this season with his impressive speed and power combination. Leading the majors in stolen bases for most of the year, De La Cruz recently achieved a significant milestone by recording his 60th stolen base of the season. This feat not only solidified his position as a top base stealer in the league but also placed him in an exclusive group of players who have hit 20 home runs and stolen 60 bases in a single season.
Joining Elite Company
In accomplishing this rare feat, Elly De La Cruz joined the likes of baseball legends Ronald Acuña Jr. and Rickey Henderson. The 20-60 club, as it is informally known, includes only a handful of players throughout MLB history who have displayed both power and speed at such a high level. The list of players who have achieved this remarkable milestone reads like a who’s who of baseball greatness, with names like Eric Davis, Joe Morgan, and, of course, the legendary Rickey Henderson.
A Look at the History
Taking a closer look at the history of the 20-60 club, it becomes evident just how rare and impressive this accomplishment truly is. Elly De La Cruz’s inclusion in this elite group marks the fourth time a Reds player has achieved this feat, highlighting the team’s tradition of producing dynamic players with a unique skill set. Moreover, three out of the five players on the list are Reds, showcasing the organization’s emphasis on speed and power on the basepaths.
Furthermore, the presence of three MVPs in the 20-60 club – Joe Morgan, Rickey Henderson, and Ronald Acuña Jr. – underscores the level of talent and impact these players have had on the game. Additionally, the fact that five out of the eight seasons on the list were accomplished by Hall of Famers speaks to the extraordinary abilities and lasting legacies of these players in baseball history.
Looking Ahead
At just 22 years old, Elly De La Cruz’s impressive performance this season has not gone unnoticed. While he faced a brief stolen base drought leading up to his 60th steal, he remains on pace to potentially reach the 80-stolen base mark by the end of the season. The last time a player achieved this milestone was in 1988, when Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman both accomplished the feat, highlighting the rarity and difficulty of such a remarkable achievement.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Elly De La Cruz as he continues to showcase his unique blend of speed and power on the field. With each stolen base, he cements his place among the elite in baseball history and solidifies his reputation as a dynamic and impactful player in the MLB.
In conclusion, Elly De La Cruz’s historic achievement of hitting 20 home runs and stealing 60 bases in a single season places him in a league of his own among baseball’s greatest players. With his youth and talent, the future looks bright for this rising star as he continues to make his mark on the game.
