Ronald Acuna Jnr created MLB history on Wednesday night by becoming the first member of the 40-70 club – a feat even he thought “seemed impossible”.
Atlanta outfielder Acuna stole second base in the 10th inning of the Braves’ 6-5 win over the Chicago Cubs, and, in doing so, became the first player ever to hit at least 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in a single season.
He also ended up scoring the game-winning run after Ozzie Albies drove him home to confirm Atlanta as the number one seed in the National League play-offs.
He said: “I’m very happy, mostly that we were able to win. I’m extremely happy to have created the 40-70 club.
“It [70 steals] was one of those numbers that wasn’t impossible but seemed impossible.
“It was a super emotional game, it felt like a play-off atmosphere. This is a preview to what could be in the post-season.”
Achievement Unlocked: 70 Steals pic.twitter.com/OwNw7KUvji
— MLB (@MLB) September 28, 2023
Acuna lifted the bag he stole from the diamond to keep as a souvenir before, shortly afterwards, Albies singled him in to send the crowd at Truist Park into a frenzy.
“It’s crazy what he’s done,” said Albies. “I told myself I need to come through right here, whatever it takes.
“I’m happy that I came through in that spot and we won that game.”
