Baseball has been a beloved American pastime for generations. With its timeless rules and traditions, it has captivated fans and players alike. One of the most exciting plays in the game is a stolen base, and stealing home is the pinnacle of this play. Stealing home requires a combination of skill, courage, and luck, so it is no wonder that it is such a thrilling moment. So, who was the last Major League Baseball (MLB) player to steal home?
History of Stealing Home
Stealing home has been a part of baseball since the late 1800s. Players would slide into home plate to avoid getting tagged out, a practice known as “hook sliding.” This practice eventually evolved into stealing home, where the runner would take off from third base and sprint to home plate without the ball being thrown. Stealing home is one of the most daring and risky plays in the game, and it is also one of the most exciting.
Modern Era Of Stealing Home
In the modern era of MLB, stealing home is a rare occurrence. There have only been a handful of players in the last two decades who have been successful in stealing home. Some of them include Ichiro Suzuki, Hanley Ramirez, and Mookie Betts. However, the last MLB player to steal home was San Diego Padres outfielder Wil Myers in 2018.
Wil Myers’ Steal Home
On August 28, 2018, Wil Myers became the last MLB player to steal home. The Padres were facing the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, and the game was tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning. Myers was on third base with one out when he decided to take a chance and steal home. He took off as soon as the pitcher began his windup and slid into home plate just ahead of the throw from the catcher. It was a daring and risky play, but it paid off as Myers scored the go-ahead run for the Padres.
Impact Of The Steal Home
Myers’ steal home was a significant moment in MLB history. Not only did it give the Padres the lead, but it also brought an excitement to the game that had been missing for some time. It was a reminder of the old-school style of baseball, and it generated a buzz among fans and players alike. In addition, it showed that stealing home was still a viable play in the modern era of baseball.
Conclusion
Stealing home is one of the most exciting plays in baseball. It requires skill, courage, and luck, and it is a reminder of the old-school days of the game. The last MLB player to steal home was Wil Myers of the San Diego Padres in 2018. His daring play gave the Padres a lead and brought an excitement to the game that had been missing for some time. It was a momentous occasion and one that will be remembered for years to come.