Base stealing is one of baseball’s most electrifying skills. It requires a combination of speed, intelligence, timing, and boldness.
Throughout MLB history, some players have turned this art into a science, blazing trails around the diamond and leaving pitchers and catchers helpless. Here’s a look at the top 15 base stealers of all time, ranked by their career stolen base totals.
15. Kenny Lofton – 622 stolen bases
One of the most dynamic players of the 1990s, Kenny Lofton brought excitement to the game with his blazing speed. His 622 career steals and six stolen base titles solidified him as one of the greatest leadoff hitters of his era.
14. Bert Campaneris – 649 stolen bases
Bert “Campy” Campaneris was a speedster and versatile player for the Oakland Athletics during their dynasty years. His 649 career stolen bases were a key part of his game, as he constantly put pressure on opposing defenses.
13. Tom Brown – 657 stolen bases
A lesser-known name in modern baseball, Tom Brown was a prolific base stealer in the 19th century. His 657 steals showcase his ability to take advantage of the game’s early rules and strategies.
12. Willie Wilson – 668 stolen bases
Willie Wilson was one of the fastest players of his era, wreaking havoc on opposing defenses throughout the 1980s. With 668 career stolen bases, Wilson’s speed helped him secure a batting title and an All-Star appearance during his stellar career.
11. Joe Morgan – 689 stolen bases
Joe Morgan’s blend of power and speed made him one of the best all-around players of his generation. A key member of the Big Red Machine, Morgan used his elite baserunning skills to rack up 689 career stolen bases and help lead the Cincinnati Reds to multiple championships.
10. Honus Wagner – 723 stolen bases
Known primarily as one of the greatest shortstops in history, Honus Wagner was also a prolific base stealer. His 723 career steals reflect his all-around brilliance and ability to impact the game in every facet.
9. Max Carey – 738 stolen bases
Max Carey was a pioneer of the modern stolen base. Playing in the dead-ball era, Carey led the National League in stolen bases ten times, finishing his career with 738 steals. His instincts and precision made him a terror on the bases.
8. Eddie Collins – 741 stolen bases
A cornerstone of the Philadelphia Athletics’ dynasty in the early 20th century, Eddie Collins was as intelligent as he was fast. His ability to read pitchers and take advantage of opportunities helped him steal 741 bases during his storied career.
7. Arlie Latham – 742 stolen bases
Nicknamed the “Freshest Man on Earth,” Arlie Latham was a true base-stealing legend of the 19th century. His 742 career stolen bases, mostly accumulated during the 1880s and 1890s, highlight his exceptional speed and craftiness on the basepaths.
6. Vince Coleman – 752 stolen bases
Few players in MLB history could match Vince Coleman’s raw speed. In the 1980s, Coleman dominated the basepaths, recording six consecutive seasons with at least 100 stolen bases. His aggressive style and lightning-quick first step made him one of the most feared base stealers of his era.
5. Tim Raines – 808 stolen bases
Tim “Rock” Raines combined elite speed with remarkable efficiency. Known for his ability to pick his spots, Raines was one of the most effective base stealers in MLB history, succeeding on over 84% of his attempts.
Read More: 17 MLB Stars Who Got Away With Cheating
4. Ty Cobb – 897 stolen bases
Known for his aggressive and fiery personality, Ty Cobb was one of baseball’s earliest stars. He was a threat in every aspect of the game, including on the base paths, where his speed and cunning allowed him to rack up 897 stolen bases during his Hall of Fame career.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best Catchers in MLB History
3. Billy Hamilton – 914 stolen bases
No, this isn’t the modern-day Billy Hamilton. The 19th-century version was a speedster in his own right, dominating during an era when stolen bases were a key part of the game. His 914 career steals are a testament to his agility and strategic approach on the basepaths.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best Outfielders in MLB History
2. Lou Brock – 938 stolen bases
Lou Brock was the epitome of speed during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals. A cornerstone of the Cardinals’ success in the 1960s and 1970s, Brock held the all-time stolen base record before Henderson surpassed him.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best Second Basemen in MLB History
1. Rickey Henderson – 1,406 stolen bases
The undisputed king of base stealing, Rickey Henderson redefined what it meant to be a leadoff hitter. Over a remarkable 25-year career, Henderson’s unparalleled speed and base running instincts allowed him to swipe an MLB-record 1,406 bases.
