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1 hour ago
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Last season may not have been Elly De La Cruz's best.
So far this season, the Cincinnati Reds superstar is showing just how special he is.
De La Cruz has officially made baseball history not done since at least 1900 -- he has begun the season with 10 home runs and eight stolen bases before the calendar reached May.
The Reds shared that stat, saying it hasn't happened since 1900, although that is likely just the time they have the data available. Given the lack of homers back then, this probably didn't happen before then, either. It's probably the first time it has happened in baseball history.
The only thing that needs acknowledging is that the season starts much earlier these days than it used to, so it gives someone like De La Cruz more of a chance.
I'm a huge Elly fan. And the Reds are off to a great start. But this season started on March 26. In 1970, the Reds season started April 6. In 1950, the season started April 18.
In 1900, it started April 19.
So...that mark is weighted in modern players' favor. https://t.co/i9UiOOqbDM
MORE: This might be the weirdest way to get an inside-the-park HR
Still, it's been an impressive first month or so of the season for Elly.
He's batting .291 and putting up a .952 OPS, both well above his career averages. Still just 24 years old, De La Cruz seems to be improving his game night in and night out.
One thing the Reds needed more of this season was power in their lineup, and yes, they've gotten a lot from Sal Stewart. But in reality, they always were going to need De La Cruz to grow his own potency at the plate.
Right now, there are few hitters in baseball more intimidating in the box, or on the bases, than Elly De La Cruz.
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