While baseball players cannot steal first base anymore, at least three instances occurred in the past where this exact scenario presented itself. Stealing first involved running to first base after already reaching second base. New rules have prevented this from occurring since 1920, but the stealing of first remains an important and interesting part of baseball history because of the stories it provides for fans.
Harry Davis
The first documented steal of first base occurred on August 13, 1902 when Harry Davis stole second in an attempt to draw a throw, so that teammate Dave Fultz could steal home. Davis returned to first base on the following pitch and repeated this procedure in an attempt to draw a throw to second. On the next pitch, Davis went to second again, but had success this time, as Fultz scored when the catcher attempted to throw Davis out at second base.
Fred Tenney
During a game on July 31, 1908, Fred Tenney attempted a double steal with teammate Dummy Taylor but could not get the catcher to throw to second on his first attempt. On the next pitch, Tenney stole first base successfully by returning to his original base. He then stole second base again, while trying to draw a throw from the catcher and score Taylor from third. Tenney could not draw a throw on his second attempt either, so he ended up staying on second base.
Germany Schaefer
Perhaps the most well known first base steal comes from Germany Schaefer, who attempted a double steal with teammate Davy Jones. When the catcher did not throw to second, Schaefer returned to first base and then yelled across the diamond to Jones that he would try again. The tactic worked the second time around, allowing Jones to score the winning run. Some questions do exist, however, about the accuracy of these reports, since the stolen bases do not appear in the game's box score.
Rule Change
Major League Baseball changed its official rules in 1920 to prevent players from stealing first. According to rule 7.08 (i) in the Official Major League Baseball Rule Book, the umpire will rule out any player who gains possession of a base legally and then attempts to run the bases in reverse order, as this practice makes a mockery of the game. Players can return to a previous base after touching the next base if they have not gained possession legally, such as when an outfielder catches a fly ball.
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