The stolen base is one of the most fascinating plays in all of sports. In no other sport is the opportunity present for the offence to literally take away what belongs to the defence. 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 offence. 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.