Stolen base facts for kids
In baseball, a stolen base happens when a baserunner moves to the next base without the ball being hit. This happens while the pitcher is throwing the ball to home plate. It's a quick, exciting play where the runner tries to surprise the defense.
In baseball statistics, a stolen base is often shown as SB. A player can steal second base, third base, or even home plate. However, it's not possible to steal first base, because that's where the runner starts after hitting the ball or getting a walk.
Sometimes, the team on defense doesn't even try to stop the runner. For example, the catcher might not throw the ball to try and get the runner out. When this happens, it's called defensive indifference. In this case, the runner doesn't get credit for a stolen base. Defensive indifference usually happens late in a game when the runner's team is losing by a lot of runs. The defense might not care if the runner advances, as it won't change the game's outcome.
How Players Steal Bases
To be good at stealing bases, a player needs more than just speed. They also need excellent instincts and quick reactions. Knowing when to run is key. They must have perfect timing to start running just as the pitcher begins to throw the ball.
The rules for giving a player a stolen base are very specific. These rules are found in the official Major League Baseball rule book. They help make sure stolen bases are counted fairly.
The "Green Light" for Stealing
If a player is really good at stealing bases, their manager might give them the "green light." This means the player can try to steal a base whenever they think they have a good chance. They don't need to wait for a signal from a coach.
Players who don't have the "green light" must wait for their coach or manager to tell them when to try and steal. This helps the team control the game's strategy.
Images for kids
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Curtis Granderson steals a base.
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Lastings Milledge steals a base.
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Graph depicting the yearly number of home runs (blue line) and stolen bases (pink line) per MLB game. The two primary periods in which the stolen base was popular were before 1920 and again in the 1970s and 1980s.
See also
In Spanish: Robo de base para niños
