Last Updated: August 18th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
Since the dawn of time, animals have used speed as a measuring stick. For as long as we have documented, humans have wanted to race each other. Speed is a fascination that excites everybody. Let's take that fascination to baseball. We've got a quick list of the ten base runners that everyone would get on the edge of their seats for. I think you know who we're starting with.
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10. Rickey Henderson: The Man of Steal Who Revolutionized Base Running
We all know that it's not close. We all know that Ricky is the greatest of all time. I know I don't need to tell you, but I'll do it anyway because it is so incredible. 1,406 career steals. 130 stolen bases in a single season. He told Harold Reynolds that he'd have 60 by the break (look up the story if you don't know). The "Man of Steal" leads us off like he led off many teams across his long, illustrious career.
9. Cool Papa Bell: The Legend Who Could Switch Off the Light and Be in Bed Before it Got Dark
It is so fun to be able to look back at Negro League numbers now that they are official. When Cool Papa Bell was going, he was GOING. A career-high 48 stolen bases in 1929. That was in only 97 games. The seasons were shorter, but his production was like some of the top speedsters in Major League Baseball. We can only imagine what he could have done in the MLB.
8. Mickey Mantle: The Commerce Comet’s Blazing 3.1 Seconds to First
For all the hitting that he displayed, Mickey Mantle never really felt the need to steal bases. This list isn't about stealing bases; it's about speed, and Mickey had it. Measurements say he could hit first from home in 3.1 seconds. I'm sure fans who watched him in person could see how fast he was gliding across the outfield. There's no doubt he deserves his place on this list.
7. Tim Locastro: Modern Baseball’s Sprint Speed King
You may not recognize this name if you're casually watching baseball, but Tim Locastro has been measured as fast as anyone since Statcast became a thing in baseball. There is over a decade of advanced Statcast measurements. Now we are well aware of who is fastest on the field. Locastro has shared that record with another on this list.
6. Byron Buxton: The Man Who Circled the Bases in 14.05 Seconds
Here is the man he shares it with. Byron Buxton is much more of a household name thanks to his hitting ability. He has been able to break the speed record in his prime. There is also his legendary inside-the-park home run. He was able to circle the bases in just 14.05 seconds. That is elite speed, and we are fortunate to have the measurements to document it now.
5. Vince Coleman: The Olympic-Speed Demon Who Stole 100+ Bases Three Times
While Ricky was doing it in the American League, Vince Coleman was right there with him doing it in the National League. Coleman burst out of the gate, galloping his way to an astonishing 110 stolen bases in just his rookie season. Needless to say, he earned the Rookie of the Year in 1985. He would lead all of Major League Baseball again the next season and the season after that.
4. Willie Wilson: The Royal Speedster Who Led Both Leagues in Triples
There is one stat we haven't mentioned yet that can also be a measurement of speed: triples. Willie Wilson is the man to look at for that. The Dead-Ball Era produced triples almost like the Modern Era produces home runs. Wilson's ability to lead the league in triples five times in his career is a special feat. He was doing that in the 1980s. Wilson was so good that he got within the top four of MVP voting in 1980.
3. Herb Washington: The Only Designated Runner in MLB History
For those who don't know Herb Washington, I'm sure you're saying, "Hey, there are pinch runners all the time in baseball." To that, I say, "Hold up. Let me finish." This track star appeared in 105 games in his short career for the Oakland A's. He did not have a single plate appearance. He was only on the roster to steal bases and score. Now that is a true designated runner.
2. Billy Hamilton: The Base-Stealing Phenom of the Modern Era
There have been many different electric offenses in Cincinnati. Billy Hamilton ignited his offense in a way that no other Red had. He had a stretch of four straight seasons where he stole 50 bases. This was during an era where launch angle started to become a focus and stealing bases started to become a waste of time. Hamilton would probably argue that he had no time to waste.
1. Elly De La Cruz: The New Speed-Power Unicorn Breaking Records
And now we come to a current young star. First, I'll talk about how fast Elly De La Cruz is. He has also approached that speed record on Statcast. The thing is, for Elly, he is just getting started. I'm so glad that the bases have gotten wider and encouraged the rest of baseball to value the stolen base more. Elly's MLB-leading 67 stolen bases brought us all back to our childhoods.
We've all known that feeling when the fastest player on the team gets on first base and takes his first lead. Our eyes aren't even glued to who's at the plate. We're peering at the feet of the runner, twitching, itching, and ready to go. This is for the speedsters of the future, and I'm excited to see what's in store.
