Additionally, this rising star is only the fourth player since 2000 to rack up 90 or more combined home runs and stolen bases in a single season. He is also tied at 90 with José Reyes’s mark from 2007. The 22-year-old is only behind Shohei Ohtani’s 108 this season. And undeniably, Elly loves Ohtani’s company a bit too much. Did you know he started learning Japanese just to connect better with his idol? While the Dodgers’ shortstop is fluent in English, conversing in Japanese feels like home for him. Elly has been mindful of that.
Even though Elly’s card topped, Dodgers shortstop Ohtani’s card still holds its ground, surpassing the previous record of $312,000 for an Ohtani trading card set in December 2021. And get this—the same card that sold Tuesday night went for just $62,730 in October 2021 and a mere $4,800 back in May 2019. It’s clear: every season, his popularity skyrockets. Speaking of notable card auctions, a one-of-a-kind 2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring both Michael Jordan and Julius Erving just sold for a staggering $780,000.
Coming back to baseball, many factors tie both shortstops together – powerful streak and fan love for merch are just two of the list. While it’s evident that the 2024 season for Elly has been great, the main question is: Will Elly De La Cruz manage to sustain this early rise into long-term baseball stardom just like his idol? It looks promising right now, but the Cincinnati Reds have to stay steady. What do you think? Share below.