Definition: A steal occurs when a runner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is throwing the ball to the batter. The runner relies on speed and a quick head start to beat the catcher’s throw to the base.
To “steal a base,” a runner usually starts sprinting the moment the pitcher begins their delivery. Since the ball has to travel to the catcher and then be thrown across the diamond, a fast runner can often slide into the next base before the ball arrives. Stealing is a key strategy used to get runners into “scoring position” without needing the batter to get a hit.
Example: After getting a huge lead off first base, the runner successfully swiped second base for a steal before the catcher could even make a throw.
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