The Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball organization in North America, consisting of 30 teams. It is the oldest major professional sports league and the most popular sports league in the United States. Throughout its history, the MLB has been home to some of the most talented athletes in the world, and one of the most exciting plays in baseball is the steal of home plate. But who was the first MLB player to steal home?
History of stealing home
The act of stealing home plate has been around since the early days of baseball. It was first recorded in a game in 1887, when a runner from the New York Giants slid across home plate to score a run. Since then, stealing home has been a thrilling part of baseball and one of the most exciting plays in the game.
The first MLB player to steal home
The first MLB player to steal home was George Bausewine of the Philadelphia Phillies. He accomplished the feat in the first game of a doubleheader on April 25, 1909. Bausewine was a fast runner and was known for his aggressive base running. He stole home in the bottom of the third inning against the Boston Doves.
The feat was so impressive that the Phillies fans gave him a standing ovation. Bausewine’s steal of home was the first in MLB history and set the tone for what would become a thrilling and exciting play in baseball.
Impact of stealing home
Stealing home is one of the most thrilling plays in baseball and it has had a big impact on the game. It can be a game-changing play and is often used as a way to ignite a team’s offense. It can also be used strategically to create scoring opportunities or to put pressure on opposing pitchers and catchers.
Notable players who have stolen home
Since Bausewine’s steal of home in 1909, there have been many MLB players who have stolen home. Some of the most notable players include:
- Ty Cobb: Cobb is widely considered one of the greatest players in MLB history and he is also the all-time leader in steals of home with 54. He stole home a record 10 times in 1912 alone.
- Lou Brock: Brock is the all-time leader in stolen bases with 938. He also stole home 30 times in his career, the second most in MLB history.
- Rickey Henderson: Henderson is the all-time leader in runs scored with 2,295. He stole home 28 times in his career, the third most in MLB history.
- Vince Coleman: Coleman is the all-time leader in stolen bases in a single season with 110. He stole home 27 times in his career, the fourth most in MLB history.
Famous steals of home
Throughout MLB history, there have been some iconic steals of home. Some of the most famous include:
- Kirk Gibson: Gibson’s steal of home in the 1988 World Series is one of the most iconic plays in baseball history. He stole home in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 1 against the Oakland Athletics to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 5-4 win.
- Derek Jeter: Jeter’s steal of home in 2001 is one of the most memorable plays of his career. He stole home in the bottom of the 11th inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles and it helped the New York Yankees win the game 3-2.
- Jackie Robinson: Robinson’s steal of home in 1955 is one of the most iconic plays of his career. He stole home in the bottom of the ninth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, and it helped the Brooklyn Dodgers win the game 5-4.
MLB rules on stealing home
The MLB has specific rules when it comes to stealing home. According to the MLB rulebook, a runner may not steal home unless the runner is on third base and the ball has been legally thrown by the pitcher. The runner can only take off from third base after the ball has been legally released from the pitcher’s hand.
Conclusion
The first MLB player to steal home was George Bausewine of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1909. Bausewine’s steal of home set the tone for what would become a thrilling and exciting play in baseball. Since then, many MLB players have stolen home, and it has become one of the most thrilling plays in the game. The MLB has specific rules when it comes to stealing home, and it can be a game-changing play when used strategically.