With the larger bases and more people on the basepaths because of the shift restrictions, MLB definitely wanted to see more stolen base attempts.
The league felt the game was becoming too stationary and too home-run-centric.
They believed that more action on the basepaths would make the game more exciting, which is their ultimate goal.
Judging by the first day of official games, there will be a lot of stolen bases this year.
A lot.
“There were 21 stolen bases on Thursday, the most on an opening day since 1907. Success rate was 91.3% (21 for 23). Avg time of game: 2:45. There were 14 violations: 8 by pitchers, 4 by batters, 1 by baserunner, 1 by catcher,” ESPN’s Jesse Rogers tweeted.
There were 21 stolen bases on Thursday, the most on an opening day since 1907. Success rate was 91.3% (21 for 23)
Avg time of game: 2:45
There were 14 violations: 8 by pitchers, 4 by batters, 1 by baserunner, 1 by catcher
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) March 31, 2023
That success rate was considerably higher than last year’s 75.4 percent.
It all stems from the larger bases the league is implementing this season.
They invite runners to be more active and win that extra base, putting themselves in scoring position with minimal risk of being caught.
Players such as Starling Marte, Anthony Volpe, and Jarred Kelenic accumulated a theft.
If the league wanted things to change, they certainly are changing.
Plenty of people liked baseball as it was, but there is no denying that younger generations are finding it more attractive in this “new” version.
Everything that helps with the growth of the league should be welcomed, and more stolen bases appear to be part of the solution, not the problem.
People want to see action on the bases, and quicker games.
The pitch clock is working on that last regard.
A new era of baseball is here, and we should all embrace it.
NEXT: 2 MLB Stars Made Opening Day History On Thursday