Stolen base and caught stealing (SB, CS)

A runner steals when they break for the next base on the pitch and get there safely, and nothing else helped. If the catcher throws the ball into center field and the runner goes on to third, the steal of second still counts and the extra base is marked as an error. If the pitch gets away and the runner was already going, the scorer gives the steal, not the wild pitch or passed ball.

The scorer gives no steal when the defense lets the runner go. Late in a lopsided game, with the first baseman not holding the runner and nobody covering second, the advance is scored as defensive indifference (DI or FC) instead. Youth scorekeepers often skip that call, which is fine as long as everyone in the league does the same.

Caught stealing goes to a runner who is thrown out trying, or who would have been out except for an error. On the score sheet, write CS with the throw, such as CS 2-6 for catcher to shortstop. A runner picked off first and thrown out at second while running is usually scored caught stealing too, written with the pitcher's throw first (CS 1-3-6).

When stealing is allowed varies by league. In baseball for older players, runners can lead off and go at any time. Little League's younger divisions hold runners on base until the pitch reaches the batter, and in fastpitch softball runners leave when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. For a coach, steals and caught stealing are the numbers that say whether the steal sign is working.

Examples

• Runner on first breaks on the pitch and slides in safely at second: SB.
• The catcher's throw sails into center and the runner goes on to third: SB of second, then the advance to third on E2.
• Runner on first is thrown out at second, catcher to shortstop: CS 2-6.
• Two outs, a ten-run lead, nobody covers second and the runner takes it: defensive indifference, no SB.

Put it on a card: Wristband signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

More in the glossary

• Steal sign
• Double steal
• Delayed steal
• All glossary pages