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Professional baseball

Stolen Bases on the Decline in the Major Leagues

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Rickey Henderson, the major leagues' all-time leader in stolen bases with 1,098, came into a recent game with just three stolen bases in eight attempts for the Oakland Athletics. The drop in stolen bases in the major leagues this year compared to last year is about 15%, a trend that has been observed since 1987 when the AL and National League both set stolen bases records. Despite Henderson's success, the Blue Jays, who led the American League with 170 stolen bases last season, had only 33 stolen bases in their first 48 games this season, with their opponents having 40.

Key Takeaways:

  • Stolen bases are down in the major leagues this year by about 15% compared to last year.
  • The decline in stolen bases is also observed since 1987 when the AL and National League both set stolen bases records.
  • Base stealers may not work at their craft as much as they used to, with defences working harder at preventing steals.
  • Pitchers using the slide step to hasten their delivery to the plate makes it more difficult to steal.
  • The large number of home runs early in the season reduces the opportunity for stolen bases.
  • Managers do not want to risk giving up a base runner on a steal attempt if the next hitter can knock it out of the park.
  • Some hitters are distracted by a runner moving on the bases, such as George Bell, a former Jay.
  • The team's strategy this year is different, with manager Cito Gaston opting for runners to stay in place in certain situations.
  • Luis Polonia of the New York Yankees is an exception to the trend, attempting to steal third base with a large lead.

Statistics:

  • 1,098: Rickey Henderson's all-time major league stolen bases record
  • 170: Blue Jays' recorded stolen bases last season
  • 33: Blue Jays' stolen bases in their first 48 games this season
  • 40: Opponents' stolen bases against the Blue Jays in their first 48 games this season
  • 15%: The drop in stolen bases in the major leagues this year compared to last year
  • 1.1 to 1.2 seconds: The time it takes for some pitchers to get the ball to the plate after breaking from the stretch

Sources:

  • Article by Larry Millson, Sport Reporter for the Toronto Blue Jays
  • "TBS World Series Game" (though the exact publication date is not mentioned, this is assumed to be a TV broadcast of a specific World Series Game)

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