STOLEN BASE Meaning and
Definition
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A stolen base is a term commonly used in the sport of baseball, referring to the act of a baserunner successfully advancing to the next base without the ball being hit by the batter. This maneuver involves the baserunner rapidly leaving their initial base, typically taking advantage of a pitcher's or catcher's activity, and sprinting towards the subsequent base in an attempt to outsmart the defense.
To accomplish a stolen base, the baserunner must time their jump off the base precisely, anticipating the pitcher's movement and taking advantage of a momentarily unprepared defense. The action often occurs during a pitcher's wind-up or when the catcher momentarily takes his focus off the runner in order to catch a pitch. The intention behind stealing a base is to gain a significant advantage for the team's offense by creating potential scoring opportunities.
In order for a stolen base to be successful, the baserunner must reach the next base safely before being tagged out by the opposing team. A successful stolen base contributes to player statistics, showcasing their exceptional speed, agility, and skill. Similar to other elements of baseball strategy, the decision to attempt a stolen base is based on numerous factors such as the game situation, the baserunner's speed, the pitcher's pickoff ability, the catcher's throwing proficiency, and the overall risk-reward analysis.
Common Misspellings for STOLEN BASE
Etymology of STOLEN BASE
The word "stolen base" has a fairly straightforward etymology. At its core, "stolen base" is a compound noun consisting of two words: "stolen" and "base".
The term "base" comes from the Old English word "bas", which referred to a foundation or support. In the context of baseball, it specifically denotes the four stations, or bases, that a player must touch in order to score a run.
The word "stolen" is the past participle of the verb "steal", which can be traced back to the Old English word "stelan". Originally, "steal" meant "to take by theft, to carry away secretly or by force". Over time, it acquired the specific meaning of moving surreptitiously in order to gain an advantage in a game, such as in the case of a "stolen base" in baseball.
