On August 31 at Dodger Stadium, Ronald Acuna Jr. created the club of 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases by hitting a grand slam. Then, on September 22 in Washington, he became the first member of the 40 ball and 60 theft club.
And what seemed like the impossible finally happened.
Indeed, at the end of the tenth inning of last night’s game (Wednesday) against the Chicago Cubs, Acuna reminded us once again that with his talent, nothing is impossible. He stole his 70th base of the season to become the first player in MLB history to hit at least 40 home runs and steal at least 70 bases in the same campaign.
Yes yes, you read correctly: 40/70. That I don’t see anyone talking about Mookie Betts for National League MVP.
Immediately after his feat, the outfielder brandished the second cushion high in the air, marking people’s minds forever.
To top it off, Acuna then came to score the winning run on Ozzie Albies’ timely single to right field and the Atlanta Braves defeated the Bears by a score of 6-5.
Small aside, the Cubs and the Miami Marlins are now tied for last place qualifying for participation in the playoffs. For their part, the Arizona Diamondbacks are now almost assured of being in the fall dance, while the Cincinnati Reds are getting bogged down.
Now let’s get back to our subject.
Acuna is now the only member of the following clubs: 30-60, 40-50, 40-60 and 40-70. And he could find himself alone on his island for a long time, since the Venezuelan possesses a combination of power and speed never before seen.
The proof? Among players who have stolen at least 70 bases in a season, Rickey Henderson has hit the most home runs, with a meager total of 28. Acuna has 41 with four games remaining in the current campaign.
We are privileged to have been able to witness this unprecedented feat.
