However, several players have come tantalizingly close:
Stealing Second, Third, and Home: This rare feat has occurred 19 times in MLB history, with greats like Ty Cobb achieving it three times. The most recent instance was by Elly De La Cruz in July 2023.
Elite base-stealing skill: The runner needs to be exceptionally fast and adept at reading pitchers and catchers.
Open bases: No outs or only one out is preferred, with no runners ahead to force throws to other bases.
Defensive inattention: Pitchers and catchers must be caught off guard, either by the runner's timing or a distraction.
Interestingly, some minor leagues have experimented with "leadoff steals" to encourage more base stealing. In this format, a runner automatically starts on second base in extra innings. While this hasn't led to any four-base thefts, it does highlight the continued intrigue surrounding base stealing in the game.
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