A stolen base (SB) happens when a runner advances to the next base on his own, without a hit, taking advantage of his speed and a good jump on the pitch. It’s one of the most exciting plays and it measures daring on the bases.
How is it counted?
A steal is credited when the runner reaches safely. If he’s thrown out trying, it counts as «caught stealing» (CS), which hurts his value. That’s why the success rate matters: stealing a lot only helps if you’re caught rarely.
How to read it
| Stolen bases in a season | Level |
|---|---|
| 40 or more | Elite speedster |
| 20 – 39 | Threat on the bases |
| Fewer than 10 | Not much of a runner |
Examples with players
- Bert Campaneris and José Reyes were among the fastest Latino runners of their era.
- Ronald Acuña Jr. revived the art of the steal with seasons of 70+ stolen bases combined with power.
[Live data — MLB API] Current-season stolen base leaders: (filled in automatically).
Leaders and records
- Single-season record: Rickey Henderson, with 130 in 1982.
- Career record: Rickey Henderson, with 1,406.
Why it matters (and its comeback)
After years in decline, recent rules (bigger bases and limits on pitchers) revived the steal. Today it’s once again a strategic weapon that puts pressure on the defense.
Related stats
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the runner is thrown out?
It counts as «caught stealing» and hurts the team, because it loses a runner.
Why did steals rise again?
Because of rule changes that favor the runner, like bigger bases and limits on pickoff attempts.
