Elly de la Cruz, the talented shortstop of the Cincinnati Reds, has made history by setting a new franchise record for stolen bases before the All-Star break. With his speed and cunning on the basepaths, De la Cruz managed to steal 44 bases, surpassing the previous record of 43 held by Billy Hamilton.
During Monday’s game between the Colorado Rockies and the Cincinnati Reds, Elly de la Cruz stole two bases in just the first inning to reach 45 steals, breaking Billy Hamilton’s mark of 44 steals.
The comparison with Billy Hamilton is inevitable. Hamilton, renowned for his speed and baserunning abilities, was long the benchmark for stolen bases in the franchise. However, De la Cruz has managed to eclipse his record in a surprisingly short time. This not only highlights his natural talent but also his dedication and hard work to perfect his technique and timing on the bases.
Elly De La Cruz is a sicko for stealing 2nd base after the catcher caught the pitch. 🤢
That's 45 stolen bases for Elly this season. 🔥
(🎥: @Reds)pic.twitter.com/UQ2i2P3YYz
— theScore (@theScore) July 8, 2024
Elly de la Cruz’s rise has been meteoric. Since his debut in Major League Baseball, he has proven to be an electrifying player and a constant threat to opposing pitchers and catchers. His ability to read pitchers and take a decisive advantage on the bases has been a crucial factor in his success. This accomplishment places him among the elite players who have left an indelible mark on the history of the Cincinnati Reds.
De la Cruz’s impact extends beyond mere statistics. His presence on the team has injected new energy and enthusiasm among both his teammates and fans. Whenever he is on base, the crowd knows there’s a high likelihood of a stolen base attempt, adding an extra level of excitement and anticipation to the game.

