Single Base
Is it statistically feasible for a single base runner to steal 2 or 3 bases on the same play?
For example:
- A blazing-fast runner on first has a huge lead and gets an excellent jump on the pitch. He rushes through second on his way to third with help from the pitcher's rainbow lob pitch and a belayed, lobbed toss by the catcher behind the right-handed hitter.
Either way, no errors, past-balls, wild pitches, defensive indifference or other defensively liable statistic could be used to explain the advancement of the runner.
Although I provided an example, I'm only asking whether or not one would be awarded two or three stolen bases on the same play if one COULD do so?
* Probability of its occurrance does not concern me here. What concerns me is how it would be judged by an official scorer!
Your scenario may be a bit toward the improbable side of the spectrum. However, if the pitcher isn't paying attention and time out isn't called, then the runner can steal second. Often times, when a player steals home, it is because the pitcher isn't paying attention, so it is possible to steal a base without a pitch. Then, when the pitcher actually makes a pitch, the runner can steal third. That would be 2 steals in one play.
I guess you could try to stretch that out further and make it three steals in one play, but that would be incredibly improbable.