Stealing 50 Bases

STEALING 50 BASES and hitting 50 doubles requires a rare combination of speed and power. In baseball’s history, only two players have achieved the feat.

In 1998, the Houston Astros engaged the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Having clinched the National League Central title, the Astros played to maintain their competitive edge and accomplish team and individual goals.

The crowd of 38,997 hoped to witness Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire add to his record-setting season home run total. But Astros pitcher Randy Johnson shackled the St. Louis hitters.

Houston erupted for three runs in the first and one in the second, coasting to a 7–1 victory—the club’s 100th of the season and the highest total in team history. But in the sixth, Craig Biggio accomplished an amazing individual honor.

With two out, Biggio singled. Two pitches later, the second baseman stole second, his 50th successful steal. Coupled with his 51 doubles for the season, the 32-year-old infielder joined Tris Speaker as the only two players in baseball’s 50-50 club. In 1912, Speaker clubbed 53 doubles and stole 52 bases. Biggio celebrated the occasion by ripping the base from the ground and carrying it back to his Houston home as a souvenir.

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POINT Hitting 50 doubles and stealing 50 bases isn’t Biggio’s only record. He’s also the only player ever to be named to the All-Stars both at catcher and second base. But the 50-50 is pretty impressive. Speaker, the only other player to do it, entered baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1937 as the seventh player selected. That’s good company.

The Bible encourages us to keep good company. Friends who inspire us and lift us up help our Christian walk. But buddies who drag us down can ruin what we’ve worked for. Strive to find friends who help you reach your full potential.

GOAL! Evaluate the company you keep. Do they encourage you or drag you down? Ask the Lord to surround you with godly people.