Seattle Mariners slugger Ty France is definitely not a speedster.
Prior to Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, he had no stolen bases in his big league career.
It’s not like he had tried too many times: he got caught twice in his rookie season, then stopped running altogether.
However, the larger bases are inviting people to run and get some steals.
That’s what the league wants: more action on the basepaths.
France was at second and saw Reid Detmers, a left-handed pitcher, on the mound.
Detmers throws a lot of curveballs, so he had this in mind, too.
He took off to third base and Detmers had thrown a hook.
By the time the catcher made his throw, France was already in a prime position to secure his first career steal.
When he did (after a relatively close play anyway!), he was seen smiling toward the Mariners’ dugout and tipping his helmet.
France stealing a base was surely the object of fun and games for the team that night.
They probably couldn’t believe their eyes.
How crazy are stolen bases this season?
Ty France had 0 career MLB steals before tonight.
He just stole third base! 😮 pic.twitter.com/wizCKD1CNq— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) April 4, 2023
The larger bases represent increased odds of stealing a bag safely.
Speedsters are taking advantage, but so are other players.
We have seen many major leaguers who aren’t base-stealers go for it and be successful for the most part.
Stolen bases are a fun play, and the league made sure fans could see more attempts.
Let’s see how many steals France ends up with when it’s all said and done.
We are still betting the under on just about any number.
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