What Is a Double Steal in Baseball?
Quick answer
A play in which two runners each steal a base on the same pitch, most often with runners on first and third or on first and second.
In this article
A double steal is a play where two baserunners try to steal a base on the same pitch. The most common version is the first-and-third double steal: the runner on first breaks for second, and when the catcher throws to second, the runner on third races home.
Types of double steals
- First and second: both runners go. The catcher usually throws to third to stop the lead runner.
- First and third: the trail runner goes to draw a throw so the lead runner can score.
- Delayed double steal: a runner waits until the catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher, then breaks.
How the first-and-third play works
- The runner on first takes a normal lead and breaks for second on the pitch.
- The runner on third takes a walking lead and watches the catcher.
- If the catcher throws through to second, the runner on third breaks for home.
- A middle infielder may cut off the throw and fire home, so the runner on third has to read the throw.
Teams use it most with two outs and a weak hitter at the plate, when a run is worth the risk.
How the defense stops it
The catcher has several options, usually called from the dugout before the pitch:
- Throw through to second and trust the infielders to get the runner.
- Fake the throw and check the runner on third.
- Throw to the pitcher or the shortstop, who cuts it off and looks home.
- Throw to third to catch a runner with too big a lead.
How it's scored
Each runner who makes it safely is credited with a stolen base (SB). If either runner is thrown out on the attempt, no stolen base is credited to the other runner on that play. A run that scores still counts, as long as the runner touches home before any third out.
Related plays
- Who covers second base on a steal
- Pinch runner: the speed specialist sent in for plays like this
- Balk: what happens if the pitcher tries to deceive the runners illegally
More definitions: baseball terms explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is a double steal in baseball?
A double steal is a play in which two baserunners each try to steal a base on the same pitch, such as runners on first and second both running, or a first-and-third play.
How does the first-and-third double steal work?
The runner on first breaks for second to draw a throw. If the catcher throws through to second, the runner on third breaks for home and tries to score before the return throw.
Do both runners get a stolen base?
Only if the play works. If either runner is thrown out on the attempt, the other runner is not credited with a stolen base.
How do teams defend a double steal?
The catcher can throw to second, fake and look the runner back to third, throw back to the pitcher, or throw to a middle infielder or pitcher who cuts the ball off and fires home.
