Pirates' history now includes Oneil Cruz on the same record list as Barry Bonds

Billy Heyen

Pirates' history now includes Oneil Cruz on the same record list as Barry Bonds image

Oneil Cruz, meet Barry Bonds. 

The former Pittsburgh Pirates star has been joined on a franchise record list by the Pirates' current high-upside youngster.

It's now a four-player club overall.

The stats required to join, per @JayHayKid: 20 home runs and 30 steals in a season.

Bonds did that four times for the Pirates. Andy Van Slyke did it twice. Starling Marte did it once. And now Cruz is on the list.

It's one of those slightly goofy lists, but it still proves a point. Cruz has had a season that doesn't have many equals in Pittsburgh baseball history. And considering all the stars that have been Pirates, that's quite a feat.

Cruz isn't a perfect player. His flaws are often loud and noticeable.

But he also produces, delivering big moments with both his bat and his legs.

The Pirates' future may still be murky, but Cruz has to be a part of it.

Frankly, anytime a hitter can do something that Bonds did, it's quite impressive.

That's where Cruz found himself on Tuesday night.

And if he keeps up his solid play and continued growth, he may just find a way to do this again in the years to come.

MORE: The Guardians have captured Cleveland's hearts again

Billy Heyen

Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who has written about many sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. Sports reporting work has also appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle