How Many Stolen Bases Did Pete Rose Have In His Career?

Pete Rose, a name synonymous with baseball greatness, is celebrated for his record-breaking 4,256 hits. But How Many Stolen Bases Did Pete Rose Have throughout his illustrious career? PETS.EDU.VN is here to provide you with a detailed breakdown of his stolen base statistics, exploring some of the lesser-known aspects of his game, including a memorable game where he stole second, third, and home. Understanding Rose’s career stolen base numbers offers insights into his overall performance and strategic gameplay, enriching your appreciation for his contributions to baseball history and connecting you with other exciting aspects of baseball.

1. What Was Pete Rose’s Total Stolen Base Count?

Pete Rose accumulated 198 stolen bases during his Major League Baseball (MLB) career. While he is best known for his incredible hitting ability and all-time hit record, Rose also showcased his speed and baserunning skills throughout his 24 seasons. Rose’s stolen base total reflects his aggressive and intelligent approach to the game, contributing to his reputation as a versatile and impactful player.

1.1. Breaking Down Pete Rose’s Stolen Base Statistics

To fully appreciate Rose’s stolen base record, it’s important to consider the details of his performance on the basepaths. Here’s a breakdown of his statistics:

Total Stolen Bases: 198
Total Attempts: 347
Caught Stealing: 149
Stolen Base Percentage: 57.1%

These numbers show that while Rose wasn’t a prolific base stealer compared to some of the game’s speedsters, he was still a valuable asset on the basepaths. His stolen bases often came at crucial moments in games, helping his team score runs and win games. For comparison, consider that players like Rickey Henderson and Lou Brock had stolen base percentages closer to 80%, but Rose’s contributions were significant in their own right.

1.2. Rose’s Stolen Base Totals by Team

Pete Rose played for several teams during his MLB career, and his stolen base totals varied depending on his role and the team’s offensive strategy. Here’s a breakdown by team:

Team	Stolen Bases	Years Played
Cincinnati Reds	172	1963-1978, 1984-1986
Philadelphia Phillies	18	1979-1983
Montreal Expos	8	1984

As you can see, the majority of Rose’s stolen bases came during his time with the Cincinnati Reds. This reflects his prime years and his central role in the “Big Red Machine” teams of the 1970s.

1.3. Stolen Base Percentage vs. League Average

During Pete Rose’s career, the league average stolen base percentage fluctuated. Generally, a success rate of 70% or higher is considered good. Rose’s career percentage of 57.1% is below this benchmark, suggesting that while he was opportunistic, he wasn’t always the most efficient base stealer. However, it’s important to remember that Rose’s value to his teams extended far beyond stolen bases. His ability to get on base, hit for average, and play multiple positions made him an invaluable player.

Pete Rose with the Cincinnati Reds

An image showing Pete Rose in his Cincinnati Reds uniform, highlighting his long tenure and significant contributions to the team.

2. When Did Pete Rose Steal Second, Third, and Home in One Inning?

One of the most memorable moments in Pete Rose’s career occurred on May 11, 1980, when he stole second, third, and home in the same inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. This rare feat showcased Rose’s daring baserunning and baseball acumen. The game was played at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, adding to the significance for Reds fans. This daring play exemplifies Rose’s aggressive style and his commitment to doing whatever it took to help his team win, solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s most competitive players.

2.1. The Context of the Game

In 1980, the Cincinnati Reds were facing the Philadelphia Phillies, who would eventually win the World Series that year. The Phillies held a 5-1 lead in the seventh inning when Rose found himself on first base after a walk. The Reds needed a spark, and Rose provided it with his daring baserunning.

The Phillies’ pitcher, Mario Soto, had just walked Rose, setting the stage for an exciting sequence of events. With Bake McBride at the plate, Rose stole second base, putting himself in scoring position. McBride then grounded out, advancing Rose to third with Mike Schmidt coming to bat.

2.2. The Double Steal

With Rose on third and Schmidt at the plate after a walk, the stage was set for a double steal. Rose and Schmidt executed the play perfectly, with Rose stealing home. This daring play not only energized the Reds but also demonstrated Rose’s intelligence and willingness to take risks. Rose later reminisced about the play, stating that he remembered it vividly, highlighting its significance in his career.

2.3. Rose’s Recollection of the Event

In a 1983 interview, Rose recounted the event, saying, “I remember it like it was yesterday. I stole second, third and home in one inning once, but that time the steal of home was on a double steal.” He also mentioned another instance where he attempted to steal home, which resulted in a controversial call. These stories highlight Rose’s aggressive baserunning style and his keen awareness of the game’s nuances.

2.4. Comparing It to Other Stolen Base Feats

While stealing second, third, and home in one inning is rare, it’s not entirely unprecedented. Players like Dee Gordon have accomplished this feat in recent years. However, Rose’s version stands out due to the context of the game and his overall reputation as a player who always gave his all. The fact that it involved the Phillies, a team he would later play for, adds an interesting layer to the story.

3. How Did Pete Rose Compare to Other Base Stealers of His Era?

While Pete Rose was a successful base stealer, he wasn’t in the same category as players known primarily for their speed, such as Lou Brock or Rickey Henderson. Rose’s value was in his ability to get on base and his overall offensive contributions. His stolen bases were often opportunistic and strategic rather than a primary focus of his game. To truly understand Rose’s place among his contemporaries, it’s useful to compare his statistics and playing style to those of other prominent base stealers of the time.

3.1. Comparing Rose to Lou Brock

Lou Brock, who played from 1961 to 1979, was one of the premier base stealers in baseball history. He finished his career with 938 stolen bases and a stolen base percentage of around 75%. Brock was known for his incredible speed and his ability to disrupt opposing pitchers and catchers.

Lou Brock: 938 Stolen Bases, ~75% Success Rate
Pete Rose: 198 Stolen Bases, 57.1% Success Rate

The contrast is stark. Brock’s focus was clearly on stealing bases as a key part of his offensive game, whereas Rose used his baserunning more selectively.

3.2. Comparing Rose to Rickey Henderson

Rickey Henderson, who played from 1979 to 2003, is widely regarded as the greatest base stealer of all time. He holds the MLB record for stolen bases with 1,406 and had a career stolen base percentage of over 80%. Henderson revolutionized the art of base stealing with his aggressive style and meticulous preparation.

Rickey Henderson: 1,406 Stolen Bases, 80%+ Success Rate
Pete Rose: 198 Stolen Bases, 57.1% Success Rate

Henderson’s impact on the game was transformative, and his numbers dwarf those of Rose in terms of stolen bases.

3.3. Other Notable Base Stealers of Rose’s Era

Other notable base stealers during Rose’s era include players like Tim Raines, Willie Wilson, and Omar Moreno. These players consistently ranked among the league leaders in stolen bases and played a significant role in their teams’ success.

Player	Stolen Bases	Career Span
Tim Raines	808	1979-2002
Willie Wilson	668	1976-1994
Omar Moreno	498	1975-1986

Compared to these players, Rose’s stolen base numbers are modest, but his overall contributions to the game were immense, particularly his record-breaking hit total.

3.4. Rose’s Unique Contributions

While Rose may not have been a premier base stealer, his baserunning was an important part of his overall game. He was known for his aggressive style, his ability to read pitchers, and his willingness to take risks. His stolen bases often came at crucial moments in games and helped his team score runs. Additionally, his high on-base percentage meant he was frequently in a position to steal, adding value to his baserunning skills.

4. How Did Stolen Bases Fit Into Pete Rose’s Overall Game?

Pete Rose was primarily known for his hitting prowess and his ability to play multiple positions. While stolen bases were not his defining skill, they were a valuable component of his overall game. Rose’s aggressive style of play extended to his baserunning, where he was always looking for opportunities to advance and put pressure on the opposing team. To understand how stolen bases fit into Rose’s overall game, it’s important to consider his other strengths and how they complemented his baserunning abilities.

4.1. Rose’s Hitting Prowess

Pete Rose is best known for being baseball’s all-time hit king with 4,256 career hits. His ability to consistently get on base made him a valuable asset to any team. This high on-base percentage meant that he was frequently in a position to steal bases and score runs. Rose’s hitting ability forced pitchers to focus on getting him out, which could create opportunities for him to steal bases.

4.2. Rose’s Versatility in the Field

Rose played multiple positions throughout his career, including outfield, infield, and even catcher. This versatility made him an invaluable player for his managers, who could plug him into different spots in the lineup depending on the team’s needs. His adaptability extended to his baserunning, where he could adjust his strategy based on the game situation and his position in the batting order.

4.3. Rose’s Aggressive Playing Style

Pete Rose was known for his aggressive and competitive style of play. He was always looking for an edge and was willing to take risks to help his team win. This mentality extended to his baserunning, where he was never afraid to attempt a stolen base or take an extra base on a hit. His aggressive approach often caught opposing teams off guard and created opportunities for his team to score runs.

4.4. Rose’s Impact on Team Offense

While Rose’s stolen base numbers may not have been as high as some of his contemporaries, his baserunning skills contributed to his team’s overall offensive production. His ability to get on base and advance into scoring position put pressure on opposing pitchers and defenses. This created opportunities for his teammates to drive him in and score runs. Rose’s presence on the basepaths made his teams more dynamic and harder to defend.

5. What Factors Influenced Pete Rose’s Stolen Base Numbers?

Several factors influenced Pete Rose’s stolen base numbers throughout his career. These include his age, his team’s offensive strategy, the quality of opposing pitchers and catchers, and his own physical condition. Understanding these factors provides a more complete picture of Rose’s baserunning abilities and his overall performance.

5.1. Age and Physical Condition

As Rose aged, his physical abilities naturally declined, which likely affected his stolen base numbers. In his younger years, he may have been faster and more agile, making him a more effective base stealer. As he got older, he may have relied more on his experience and baseball IQ to make smart baserunning decisions.

5.2. Team Strategy

The offensive strategy of Rose’s teams also played a role in his stolen base numbers. Some teams may have emphasized base stealing more than others, depending on the manager’s philosophy and the composition of the lineup. If Rose played on a team that valued base stealing, he may have been given more opportunities to run. Conversely, if he played on a team that prioritized power hitting, he may have been asked to be more conservative on the basepaths.

5.3. Opposing Pitchers and Catchers

The quality of opposing pitchers and catchers also influenced Rose’s stolen base success. Some pitchers are more difficult to steal against due to their quick deliveries and ability to control the running game. Similarly, some catchers have stronger arms and quicker releases, making it harder for runners to steal bases. Rose’s success rate would have been affected by the caliber of the pitchers and catchers he faced.

5.4. Game Situation

The game situation also played a role in Rose’s stolen base decisions. In close games or late-inning situations, he may have been more likely to attempt a stolen base to try to score a crucial run. Conversely, in blowout games or situations where his team had a comfortable lead, he may have been more conservative on the basepaths. Rose’s baseball IQ and understanding of the game allowed him to make smart decisions based on the specific circumstances.

An image capturing Pete Rose sliding into a base, highlighting his aggressive baserunning style and competitiveness.

6. What Was Pete Rose’s Success Rate in Stolen Base Attempts?

Pete Rose had a stolen base success rate of approximately 57.1% throughout his career. This means that out of all his stolen base attempts, he was successful in a little over half of them. While this percentage is not as high as some of the game’s premier base stealers, it is still respectable and reflects his opportunistic approach to baserunning.

6.1. Calculating Stolen Base Percentage

The formula for calculating stolen base percentage is:

(Stolen Bases / (Stolen Bases + Caught Stealing)) * 100

For Pete Rose:

(198 / (198 + 149)) * 100 = 57.1%

This calculation provides a clear picture of Rose’s efficiency on the basepaths.

6.2. Factors Affecting Success Rate

Several factors can affect a player’s stolen base success rate, including:

Speed: Faster players are generally more successful at stealing bases.
Read of the Pitcher: Players who can anticipate the pitcher’s movements are more likely to get a good jump.
Technique: Proper sliding technique can help a player avoid being tagged out.
Experience: Experienced players often have a better understanding of when to attempt a stolen base.

6.3. Comparing Rose’s Success Rate to League Averages

During Rose’s career, the league average stolen base success rate fluctuated. A good success rate is generally considered to be 70% or higher. Rose’s 57.1% is below this benchmark, suggesting that he wasn’t always the most efficient base stealer. However, it’s important to remember that Rose’s value to his teams extended far beyond stolen bases.

6.4. The Value of Aggressive Baserunning

Even though Rose’s stolen base success rate may not have been elite, his aggressive baserunning style often paid dividends for his teams. By putting pressure on opposing pitchers and defenses, he created opportunities for his teammates to score runs. His willingness to take risks on the basepaths made his teams more dynamic and harder to defend.

7. What Strategies Did Pete Rose Use When Stealing Bases?

Pete Rose employed several strategies when attempting to steal bases. These strategies included studying pitchers, getting a good lead, timing his jump, and using proper sliding technique. His approach was a combination of athleticism, intelligence, and experience.

7.1. Studying Pitchers

Rose was known for his meticulous preparation and his ability to study opposing pitchers. He would watch videos and analyze their tendencies to identify patterns in their deliveries. This allowed him to anticipate when they were most likely to throw to the plate, giving him a better chance of getting a good jump.

7.2. Getting a Good Lead

Getting a good lead off first base is crucial for a successful stolen base attempt. Rose was adept at taking a large but safe lead, pushing the limits without getting picked off. He would vary his lead depending on the pitcher and the game situation, always looking for an advantage.

7.3. Timing His Jump

Timing is everything when stealing a base. Rose had a knack for timing his jump perfectly, anticipating the pitcher’s delivery and getting a running start towards second base. He would focus on the pitcher’s release point and try to time his move just as the ball left the pitcher’s hand.

7.4. Using Proper Sliding Technique

Sliding technique is essential for avoiding a tag and successfully stealing a base. Rose was known for his aggressive and effective sliding, often using a headfirst slide to get his hand on the base before the tag could be applied. He understood the importance of sliding hard and fast to minimize the chance of being thrown out.

8. Did Pete Rose Ever Lead the League in Stolen Bases?

No, Pete Rose never led the league in stolen bases. His highest stolen base total in a single season was 40 in 1969, which was not enough to lead the National League that year. While he was a valuable baserunner, he was not primarily known for his base-stealing abilities.

8.1. Rose’s Highest Stolen Base Totals

Here are Rose’s highest stolen base totals in a single season:

1969: 40 Stolen Bases
1976: 34 Stolen Bases
1973: 30 Stolen Bases

These numbers show that while he had some seasons with a decent number of stolen bases, he was never among the league leaders.

8.2. Factors Preventing Him from Leading the League

Several factors may have prevented Rose from leading the league in stolen bases:

Emphasis on Hitting: Rose was primarily known for his hitting ability, and his focus was on getting on base and driving in runs.
Team Strategy: His teams may not have emphasized base stealing as a key part of their offensive strategy.
Competition: He played during an era with many talented base stealers, making it difficult to lead the league.

8.3. Rose’s Overall Contributions

Even though Rose never led the league in stolen bases, his overall contributions to the game were immense. His record-breaking hit total, his versatility in the field, and his aggressive style of play made him one of the most valuable players of his era.

9. What Are Some Other Memorable Baserunning Moments from Pete Rose’s Career?

Besides stealing second, third, and home in one inning, Pete Rose had several other memorable baserunning moments throughout his career. These moments showcase his intelligence, aggressiveness, and determination on the basepaths.

9.1. Triples

While not stolen bases, Rose’s triples were often the result of aggressive baserunning. He would take extra bases on hits, stretching singles into doubles and doubles into triples. His speed and daring often caught opposing defenses off guard.

9.2. Taking Extra Bases on Errors

Rose was always alert on the basepaths and would capitalize on any defensive miscues by the opposing team. He was quick to take extra bases on errors, putting himself in scoring position and increasing his team’s chances of scoring runs.

9.3. Key Runs Scored

Many of Rose’s runs scored came as a result of his baserunning. He had a knack for being in the right place at the right time and would often score crucial runs in close games. His ability to get on base and advance into scoring position made him a valuable offensive weapon.

9.4. Aggressive Slides

Rose was known for his aggressive slides, often sliding hard into bases to break up double plays or avoid being tagged out. His intensity and determination were evident in his baserunning, and he always gave 100% effort.

An image of Pete Rose celebrating, capturing his passion for the game and his energetic style of play.

10. How Is Pete Rose Remembered Today?

Pete Rose is remembered today as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. His record-breaking hit total, his versatility in the field, and his aggressive style of play have cemented his place among the game’s legends. However, his legacy is also complicated by his lifetime ban from baseball due to gambling allegations.

10.1. The Hit King

Rose is best known as the “Hit King” for his all-time record of 4,256 career hits. This achievement is a testament to his dedication, skill, and longevity in the game. He consistently hit for a high average and was a valuable offensive player for many years.

10.2. The Gambling Controversy

Rose’s career is also marked by controversy due to allegations that he bet on baseball games while managing the Cincinnati Reds. This led to a lifetime ban from baseball, preventing him from being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

10.3. A Complex Legacy

Pete Rose’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is admired for his accomplishments on the field but also criticized for his actions off the field. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the consequences of violating the rules of the game.

10.4. Continued Relevance

Despite the controversies, Pete Rose remains a relevant figure in baseball. His accomplishments are still celebrated, and his opinions are often sought after by fans and media members. He continues to be a part of the baseball conversation, even though he is not officially involved in the sport.

FAQ About Pete Rose’s Stolen Bases

How many times did Pete Rose steal three bases in a game? Pete Rose stole three bases in a game only once, on May 11, 1980, against the Philadelphia Phillies.
What was Pete Rose’s highest stolen base total in a season? Pete Rose’s highest stolen base total in a season was 40, which he achieved in 1969.
Did Pete Rose ever lead the league in stolen bases? No, Pete Rose never led the league in stolen bases during his career.
What was Pete Rose’s stolen base success rate? Pete Rose’s stolen base success rate was approximately 57.1%.
How many times was Pete Rose caught stealing? Pete Rose was caught stealing 149 times during his career.
Which team did Pete Rose steal the most bases for? Pete Rose stole the most bases for the Cincinnati Reds, with a total of 172 stolen bases.
What strategies did Pete Rose use when stealing bases? Pete Rose used strategies such as studying pitchers, getting a good lead, timing his jump, and using proper sliding technique.
How did Pete Rose’s stolen bases contribute to his overall game? While not his primary skill, Pete Rose’s stolen bases were a valuable component of his overall game, contributing to his team’s offensive production and putting pressure on opposing defenses.
How does Pete Rose compare to other base stealers of his era? Pete Rose was not in the same category as players known primarily for their speed, such as Lou Brock or Rickey Henderson, but his baserunning was still an important part of his game.
What is Pete Rose’s legacy in baseball today? Pete Rose is remembered today as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, but his legacy is also complicated by his lifetime ban from baseball due to gambling allegations.

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