Well now, if y’all ever watched a ballgame, y’know them White Sox players sure can run the bases. I remember back in 2013, there was this feller, Alexei Ramirez, who had himself a real good season. He stole 30 bases that year, and let me tell ya, that ain’t easy to do. It ain’t like just walkin’ down to the store to get a loaf of bread. No sir, you gotta be quick, sneaky, and ready to make a dash the second the pitcher ain’t lookin’.
Now, I ain’t gonna say it’s somethin’ new, ’cause the White Sox have had some mighty good base stealers in the past. Take Rudy Law for example. Back in 1983, this feller stole 77 bases in one season! Can you believe that? 77! That’s almost as many times as I’ve walked to the mailbox in one summer, and I ain’t that spry no more!
But what’s real interestin’ is that only four times in the whole history of MLB, a feller’s stolen 50 bases AND hit 30 home runs in the same season. That’s some kind of combo. Just last year, this young feller, Ronald Acuña Jr., pulled it off in 2023. But folks, it ain’t just about the steals, it’s about makin’ those steals count. You see, you can run all day, but if you ain’t gettin’ home, it don’t do you no good.
Now, you might think, well, 30 stolen bases don’t sound like much, but in the world of baseball, that’s a real good number. And Alexei, he wasn’t the only one to put up a good steal count for the Sox. Back in 1901, a feller by the name of Fred Hartman stole 31 bases. Can you imagine? That was back when the game was all dirt and no fancy lights at the park. Just players, a ball, and a good ol’ dirt field. Things were different, but still, them Sox boys could run then just like they do now.
Some folks think about stolen bases like it’s all about bein’ fast. Well, it’s more than that. You gotta have good timing, a sharp eye, and be able to read the pitcher like an open book. One false move, and you’re out. But if you get that jump right, you’re in like Flynn. That’s the thrill of it, ain’t it?
So, when you’re watchin’ them White Sox play, keep your eyes peeled for them steals. They’re part of the game, just like the hits, the home runs, and all the other excitement. And remember, 30 stolen bases might seem like just a number, but it’s a big deal when it’s done right, especially when you’re wearin’ that Sox jersey and runnin’ the bases like a champ.
So, whether it’s Alexei, or Rudy, or Fred, or whoever else, them Sox players sure do know how to steal a base. And when you’re watchin’ ‘em, it’s like watchin’ a good ol’ race. Exciting, heart-poundin’, and always a little bit of wonderin’ if they’re gonna make it. And more times than not, they do.
Now, I ain’t no expert, but I reckon if you’re a fan of the Sox, you know that a steal’s worth its weight in gold. It’s all about the hustle, the heart, and the hope that, just maybe, the next time you blink, you’ll see ‘em runnin’ safe to the next base.
Tags：[Chicago White Sox, Stolen Bases, Baseball, MLB History, Alexei Ramirez, Rudy Law, Fred Hartman, Base Running]
