1920s , stolen base totals steadily declined . In 1917 , N.L. teams stole a combined 1,145 bases , while A.L. teams swiped 1,268 . By 1920 those numbers had dropped to 969 and 751 , respectively . Ten years later , they had fallen even ...
Author: Russell Roberts
Publisher: McFarland
ISBN: 078640650X
Category: Sports & Recreation
Page: 244
View: 876
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The stolen base is one of the most fascinating plays in all of sports. In no other sport is the opportunity present for the offense to literally take away what belongs to the defense. In other sports it is the ball (or puck) that must do the scoring; in baseball, however, it is the runner, and base stealing is the runner's greatest weapon. Not just ball games but entire World Series have turned on a steal. This book traces the history of the stolen base and stealing in the major leagues from its humble beginnings through its current status as an indispensable part of a team's offense. Also covered are the players who were synonymous with base stealing: Ty Cobb, Luis Aparicio, Maury Wills, Lou Brock, Rickey Henderson, and others. The most memorable steals in baseball history are also recalled.
