Abstract
In baseball, base stealing is an important strategic option for increasing scoring opportunities. Given its importance, this study investigated usage trends of initial step patterns during base stealing among Major League Baseball (MLB) players using online video and data platforms. Additionally, this study examined the relationship between sprint ability and base stealing performance. Initial step patterns during base stealing were classified into three categories: jab step, crossover step, and mixed step. The number and percentage of players using each pattern were calculated for 52 MLB players with superior stolen base metrics. Sprint ability was assessed using sprint time from home plate to first base, as well as 30-, 60-, and 90-foot sprint times. Base stealing performance was evaluated based on the number of successful stolen bases and the stolen base success rate. Relationships between these two variables were analyzed for 54 MLB players. Among the 52 players, 48 players (92.3%) used the jab step, whereas none used the crossover step (0%), and 4 players (7.7%) used the mixed step. The sprint time from home plate to first base was significantly correlated with the number of successful stolen bases (ρ = −0.270, P = 0.049). Furthermore, the 30-, 60-, and 90-foot sprint times were significantly correlated with the stolen base success rate (r = −0.283 to −0.308, P < 0.05). These results indicate that for MLB players, sprint ability may play a more critical role in base stealing performance than the selection of initial step patterns during base stealing. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to identify the usage trend of initial step patterns and to demonstrate the importance of sprint ability for successful base stealing in top-level baseball players. The present findings may contribute to practical strategies for improving base stealing performance in baseball players.
