30-30 for Elly! De La Cruz latest Reds player to reach exclusive club
Elly De La Cruz is the 4th Cincinnati Red in history to join the 30-30 club, with Eric Davis (1987), Barry Larkin (1996), Brandon Phillips (2007).
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz has etched his name into the franchise's exclusive 30-30 club, becoming just the fourth player in Reds history to tally 30 home runs and 30 steals in a single season. The remarkable achievement, secured on September 24 in Atlanta, came courtesy of De La Cruz's powerful blow off former Reds pitcher Tyler Mahle, propelling him to the 30th milestone and his ninth steal of the month.
The impressive feat, which puts De La Cruz alongside legendary teammates Eric Davis (1987), Barry Larkin (1996), and Brandon Phillips (2007) in the club, was a testament to his stellar performance this season. Despite missing nearly a month in June due to a hamstring injury, De La Cruz hit a career-high 30 home runs, surpassing even his previous best of 25.
The shortstop's dynamic performance on both sides of the plate has been a highlight of the team's season, with his 67 steals in his first full season of 2024 setting an NL record. De La Cruz, speaking on his achievement, emphasized his desire to continue pushing his limits, stating, "I always tell him, 'Never stop. Go for more. Be that guy who wants more and more and more every year and put yourself in a good position of doing better every time.'"
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