The stolen base is one of the most fascinating plays in all of sports. In what other game can one player, even when operating independent of his teammates, seize territory from the defense, alter the strategic considerations on both sides and tilt the situation in favor of his team? In other sports it is the ball (or puck) that must do the scoring; in baseball, however, it is the runner, and base stealing is the runner's greatest weapon. Not just ball games but entire World Series have turned on a steal.

This book traces the history of the stolen base and stealing in the major leagues from its earliest uses through its current status as an indispensable part of a team's offense. Also covered are the players who were synonymous with base stealing: Ty Cobb, Luis Aparicio, Maury Wills, Lou Brock, Rickey Henderson, and others. The most memorable steals in baseball history are also recalled.