re: What happened to stolen bases in baseball? Was Rickey Henderson that good?

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Those things combined with general analytics. Player doesn’t do you any good thrown out on a steal attempt. Unless you know for a damn good fact that guy isn’t very likely to get thrown out your probably less likely to take chances.

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I'd be curious what the analytics say about...

1. The increase of scoring a run standing on 2nd base vs. 1st, especially with two outs and

2. The amount of errors forced and base hits garnered from players out of position trying to hold the runner on or in preperation to make a tag. Not to mention better pitch selection for the batter to hit.

Having watched the 80's Runnin' Redbirds on a daily basis I can tell you the stress Vince Coleman, Willie McGee, Ozzie Smith, etc. put on an opposing defense was incredible. Many a pitcher withered or became obsessed with trying to hold them on.

Watching a Vince Coleman get a lead with both feet out of the sliding pit was some of the most exciting baseball there was knowing the fireworks to follow.