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STOLEN BASE NO. 70 — It's not often someone becomes the first to do something in a nearly 200-year-old sport, but Ronald Acuna Jr. did just that Wednesday when the Atlanta Braves outfielder became the first professional baseball player with 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a single season.
The 25-year-old Venezuelan stole two bases to reach 70 stolen bases and 41 home runs in 2023 to help the Braves earn their MLB-best 102nd win to set up a potential series sweep against the Cubs Thursday.
𝟒𝟎-𝟕𝟎 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 🔥@ronaldacunajr24 did it.
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 28, 2023
We'll be ceaselessly reciting this moment for the rest of baseball history. pic.twitter.com/qDqpXPHItB
"A season unlike any other in Major League Baseball history. Take the base and take a bow, No. 13," the commentator said as Acuna raised the stolen second base over his head.
Acuna became just the fifth player to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases last week with a home run against the Nationals, joining Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodrigez and Alfonso Soriano. Rodriguez has the second-most stolen bases in a 40-40 season with 46.
