The Best 15 Base Stealers in MLB History

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

Kenny Lofton
Openverse

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 Campaneris
Openverse

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

Tom Brown
Wikipedia

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
Wikipedia

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
Openverse

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

Honus Wagner
Openverse

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
Wikipedia

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

Eddie Collins
Wikipedia

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

Arlie Latham
Wikipedia

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

Vince Coleman
Wikipedia

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 Raines
Wikipedia

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

Ty Cobb
Wikipedia

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

Billy Hamilton
Wikipedia

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
Wikipedia

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

Rickey Henderson
Openverse

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. 

Related Articles
Mar 30, 1995; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (45) talks with forward Scottie Pippen (33) after a timeout from the game against the Boston Celtics at Chicago Stadium. The Bulls beat the Celtics 100-82. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
The 30 Coolest NBA Duos of All Time
These NBA pairs brought energy, swagger, and star power every time they shared the floor.
Read More
Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The 15 Most Awkward Runners in NFL History
Whether it was stiff limbs or a complete lack of coordination, these 15 players made you do a double-take...
Read More
Payne Stewart
12 Golf Greats Who’d Be Totally Exposed on Modern Courses
Whether it’s the equipment, the competition, or the course design, these golf greats would have a rough...
Read More
Oct 29, 2000; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings receiver (80) Cris Carter in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Chapman-USA TODAY Sports
20 NFL Players Who Changed Teams and Instantly Leveled Up
From forgotten backups to franchise cornerstones, these 20 players proved that sometimes all it takes...
Read More
Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) tosses the pine tar rag before hitting in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park.
14 MLB Players With Animalistic Strength
From legendary home run kings to modern-day powerhouses, this list celebrates 14 MLB players whose strength...
Read More
Apr 9, 2018; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) reacts after a shot against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
16 NBA Stars Who Were Better as Sidekicks
Whether it was playing next to a dominant big man or an all-time great, here are 16 NBA stars who proved...
Read More

As an Amazon Associate, The Quick Report earns from qualifying purchases.

Part of the Castaway Studios media network.