What is a delayed steal?

[GGC]

I hear the term delayed steal every now and then and honestly don't know what it means. Obviously, it is a steal where the runner doesn't break immediately. But is there more to it? And, if not, why would anyone attempt a steal while getting a late jump?

[KCBOOMER]

Originally posted by GGC
But is there more to it? And, if not, why would anyone attempt a steal while getting a late jump?

Usually it is done because the runner thinks there is sufficient inattention being paid to him by the cather and/or the person who will be covering the base he wants to advance to.

[GGC]

Thanks, KCBoomer. Does anyone attempt a steal after the ball has actually been delivered to the plate or is this maneuver usually done while the pitch is en route?

[Wolf Hopper]

Further, it's often "pulled off" just as the catcher catches the ball, or is about to throw the ball back to the pitcher - - the runner on 1st breaks for the bag. The thought is, the 2nd basemen and SS will be back on their heels and slow to cover the bag - - even if the catcher tries to throw to 2nd - - and the runner can beat the throw (since the catcher will have to wait until they cover - or else throw the ball into CF).

I've seen it done a few times - not in a long time 'tho, maybe 30 years.

[satchel]

I wonder if the term could also apply to the third base end of a double steal, if the runner on third waits until the catcher looks committed to throwing to second before taking off.

Or, a situation where a runner advances while another baserunner is caught up in a rundown.

[Wolf Hopper]

Most times, that's just called a steal - perhaps because it's not as sneaky and covert as a delayed steal?

[gyb13]

Originally posted by Wolf Hopper
Further, it's often "pulled off" just as the catcher catches the ball, or is about to throw the ball back to the pitcher - - the runner on 1st breaks for the bag. The thought is, the 2nd basemen and SS will be back on their heels and slow to cover the bag - - even if the catcher tries to throw to 2nd - - and the runner can beat the throw (since the catcher will have to wait until they cover - or else throw the ball into CF).

I've seen it done a few times - not in a long time 'tho, maybe 30 years.

i'd do that on the softball field, after a batted ball, as the ball was being thrown from the field of play to the mound (no stealing is allowed and the ball is dead once the pitcher has it on the mound)... it's a wonderful thing

[SmedIndy]

The last player I remember doing this regularly is Bobby Murcer when he was a Cub. So it's been a while.

[GGC]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

[Wolf Hopper]

Originally posted by SmedIndy
The last player I remember doing this regularly is Bobby Murcer when he was a Cub. So it's been a while.

That's interesting - because the last time, if I remember right, I saw a Yankee do it, it was Murcer too.

[Wolf Hopper]

For some reason, I think Toby Harrah used the delayed steal as well - - could be wrong 'tho.

[GGC]

Is there any reason this tactic disappeared? Was it a high risk/low payoff play?

[Wolf Hopper]

I think it went the way of the hidden ball trick - - - "thinking" players have no room in the game dominated by physical freaks who can do anything on pure athleticism.........or, more likely, players that want to steal these days can do it straight out, and the slower ones, that would have tried the delayed steal, play station to station waiting for the next guy to HR.......

..........you never see a straight steal of home these days either - - - little ball,

as much as it keeps SmedIndy up at night...............

[Skip]

Originally posted by Wolf Hopper
as much as it keeps SmedIndy up at night...............

Nah, I think that's the Fuller's ESB

[SmedIndy]

That and the five OT hockey games.

Little ball may make a return if the cyclical nature of the game holds. The last delayed steals anyone can really remember were in the 70's, the end of the last dead ball-esque era.