THOUGHTS OF A SEPTUAGENARIAN. Talking MLB today. Specifically the art of base stealing. It has changed dramatically in my 70+ years on this rock. In my early days pilfering a base was a science led by the likes of Maury Wills and Lou Brock then Ricky Henderson. That's because pitchers were taught how to hold a runner especially righties. Now with larger bases and limited pickoff moves allowed by rule by hurlers plus the guys on the bump have no clue on how to keep runners from getting a jump. It’s simply take off and run fast then slide. 80% of the time you're safe. Book it Dano!