Stolen base

In baseball statistics, stolen bases (denoted by SB) is a count of the number of bases successfully stolen by a player. In the 19th century, stolen bases were credited when a baserunner reached an extra base on a base hit from another player. For example if a runner on first base reached third base on a single, it would count as a steal. A scottish born outfielder named Hugh Nicol was once credited with 138 of these in one year. Modern steal rules were implemented in 1898, and steals are now only credited when a runner successfully attempts to takes an extra base while the ball is being pitched.

Rickey Henderson is the master of stealing bases, with 1,403 for his career. It is 465 more than second place Lou Brock and, as of the start of 2003, an astonishing 895 more than the next highest active player Kenny Lofton. He also holds the modern record for steals in one season with 130.

See also: Baseball statistics