(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
In MLB, stealing bases was a lost art until the league decided to use larger bases in 2023.
That caused a spike in stolen base attempts and totals, bringing back excitement on the basepaths.
Swiping a base is a science that requires more than just speed.
Baserunners need timing, a good jump, a great first step, explosion, speed, and technique.
When it comes to MLB players, there might not be a better base-stealer than Philadelphia Phillies speedster Trea Turner.
Not only does he have 260 stolen bases since making his MLB debut in 2015, but he achieved a record percentage this year.
“Trea Turner is the first—and only—player ever to steal at least 30 bases in a season without getting caught,” Baseball Reference tweeted.
Trea Turner is the first—and only—player ever to steal at least 30 bases in a season without getting caught.#MLB | #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/UW7MpvjlNJ
— Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) October 2, 2023
That’s right: Turner stole 30 bases and had zero caught stealings.
We had never seen anything like it in baseball.
Maybe he has lost half a step and is not capable of stealing over 40 bags like he used to do.
However, when he does take off, he is a lock to reach his objective.
Not only was he a perfect base-stealer, but Turner was able to overcome a horrible start to his Phillies tenure to hit 26 home runs and accumulate 170 hits and a .778 OPS.
Those numbers didn’t look at all possible in July or August, but Phillies fans rallied behind him and he didn’t disappoint.
Now, he gets to be part of another postseason run with a really talented Phillies squad.
He is looking for his second World Series title.
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