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Stealing a base is one of the most thrilling plays in baseball, showcasing speed, agility and timing. Throughout MLB history, several players have mastered this art, racking up staggering numbers of stolen bases. Here’s a look at the top five all-time leaders in stolen bases, highlighting the seasons in which they were most prolific and the teams they played for.
Tim Raines, often overshadowed by the other legends of his era, was one of the most consistent base stealers in MLB history. Known as “Rock,” Raines played the majority of his career with the Montreal Expos, where he established himself as a premier leadoff hitter and base thief. Raines recorded his highest single-season total in 1983, swiping 90 bases while playing for the Expos. His ability to get on base and wreak havoc with his speed made him a seven-time All-Star and a Hall of Famer. Beyond his speed, Raines had an exceptional on-base percentage, which allowed him to take advantage of more stolen base opportunities.
Ty Cobb, known as “The Georgia Peach,” was one of the most aggressive and feared players in the early days of baseball. Cobb played the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers and was a dominant force on the basepaths. He led the league in stolen bases six times during his career, with his peak season coming in 1915 when he swiped 96 bases. Cobb’s base-stealing prowess was part of a larger skill set that made him one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. His combination of speed, tenacity and baseball intelligence allowed him to rack up nearly 900 stolen bases during his illustrious career.
Not to be confused with the modern-era player of the same name, the original Billy Hamilton, also known as “Sliding Billy,” was a base-stealing sensation in the late 19th century. Playing for teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Beaneaters, Hamilton was one of the fastest men in baseball. In 1894, he set his single-season best with 100 stolen bases, a record that stood for decades. Hamilton’s 914 career stolen bases are even more impressive considering that he achieved this total in an era when seasons were shorter and the game was played at a different pace. His ability to disrupt pitchers and defenses alike made him a Hall of Famer and a pioneer of the stolen base.
Lou Brock is one of the most iconic figures in St. Louis Cardinals history and a player who revolutionized the stolen base. Acquired by the Cardinals in 1964, Brock quickly became a cornerstone of their lineup, using his speed to change games. In 1974, Brock set a new single-season record by stealing 118 bases, a mark that would stand for nearly a decade. His ability to get on base and swipe bags at will was a key factor in the Cardinals’ success during the 1960s and 1970s, including two World Series titles. Brock retired with 938 stolen bases, a record that stood until it was broken by the next player on this list.
When it comes to stolen bases, no one comes close to Rickey Henderson. Widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter in baseball history, Henderson’s career spanned 25 seasons, during which he played for nine different teams, most notably the Oakland Athletics. Henderson shattered Lou Brock’s record in 1991 and finished his career with 1,406 stolen bases. His best single-season performance came in 1982 when he swiped 130 bases, a record that still stands today. Henderson’s combination of speed, power and baseball IQ made him a unique and invaluable player. His confidence, exemplified by his famous proclamation, “I am the greatest of all time,” was matched only by his ability to back it up on the field.
While the all-time stolen base leaders played in an era when base stealing was more prevalent, today’s game still features some notable speedsters. Starling Marte, José Altuve and Trea Turner are among the active leaders in stolen bases.
The 2023 season saw a resurgence in stolen bases, highlighted by Ronald Acuna Jr.’s 73 stolen bases during his MVP campaign. This resurgence can be attributed to new pickoff rules that favor base runners. In 2024, as of August 15, 22-year-old Elly De La Cruz has already stolen 59 bases in just 119 games, signaling a bright future for base stealers.
The art of the stolen base may have evolved, but the legacy of these all-time greats continues to inspire a new generation of players to test their speed and daring on the basepaths.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.