Playing competitive baseball means taking everything you can get from your opponent. That includes being able to steal bases when you get the opportunity. Stealing second base is vital because it puts you in scoring position. When a runner steals second in the late innings of a close game, that runner can score on a single that follows, which may mean the difference between victory and defeat.
The Pitcher's Motion
When base runners steal bases, most of the time they do it successfully because they read the pitcher's motion. When there is a runner on base, the pitcher will pitch from the stretch because the rules allow him to either throw to home or to first to keep the runner close. When pitching from the stretch, the pitcher may not make a deceptive motion by stepping toward home and then throwing to first or stepping toward first and throwing home. That type of motion is illegal and would result in second base being awarded to the runner in a balk. The instant the runner sees the pitcher step toward the plate, he may steal without worrying about getting picked off. It would be illegal at that point for the pitcher to throw to first.
Overrunning Second Base
A runner may read the pitcher correctly, get an excellent jump toward second base and beat the throw. However, if the runner does not stop when he gets to second and either overruns or overslides the base, he is at risk of being tagged out. You cannot leave second base once you arrive. While base runners can overrun first without fear of being tagged out, they do not have that luxury at second. Most base runners use the slide to help secure themselves to second base. However, if the runner fails to stop while a part of his body touches the bag, he can be tagged out and does not get credit for a stolen base, according to the rules.
Catcher Error
If you are stealing second base and you take off as the pitcher releases the ball to home, you will be awarded a stolen base even if the catcher does not throw the ball to second. If the catcher drops the ball, you are awarded a stolen base. If the catcher throws the ball over the shortstop or second baseman covering the bag and it flies into center field, you can continue to run. If you get to third base, you are awarded a stolen base for your run to second base, but the catcher is given an error because you were able to get to third. You do not get credit for two stolen bases.
Wild Pitch and Passed Ball
You may be on first base and you may not be stealing second. However, if the pitch gets by the catcher because it was wild or the catcher fails to secure a catchable ball, you may go to second. In either of these cases, you are not awarded a stolen base. The pitcher is charged with a wild pitch or the catcher is charged with a passed ball. As a base runner, you do not get credit for these mistakes by the opposition.
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