When KC Royals legend George Brett stole a base on this day in 1993, it was a milestone accomplishment for more than one reason. That steal put Brett in the midst of some truly elite company.
When George Brett stole second in the third inning of the KC Royals game against the Boston Red Sox, it really did not matter. Brett did not score in the inning, and the play had no bearing on the Royals eventual 5-4 victory. However, the steal gave the all time great third baseman another milestone, as it was his 200th career stolen base.
Not only was that an impressive accomplishment, especially for a third baseman, but that steal placed Brett in some truly elite company. He became the third player in MLB history to record 3000 hits, 300 homers and 200 steals, joining Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in that club.
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This would be the capstone on Brett’s brilliant career. The lifetime Royal would finish his 21 years in the Majors with a .305/.369/.487 batting line, notching 3154 hits, 317 homers and 201 steals. The 13 time All Star and 1980 MVP, Brett was a first ballot inductee in the Hall of Fame in 1999, tied with Ty Cobb for the fifth highest percentage of votes received.
Those numbers just highlight the all around game that Brett possessed. The fiery leader of the Royals, he was far more than the highlight from the Pine Tar Game or when he punched Graig Nettles in the face. He not only had a solid power stroke, but he had a swing built for Kauffman Stadium and the speed to use it. In his younger days, Brett led the American League in triples three times, and stole ten or more bases nine times.
Even at 40 years of age, Brett had a little something left in the tank when it came to speed. He stole seven bases in his final season while hitting 31 doubles, showing that he could still play with the younger generation. It is not a surprise that even now, over twenty years since his retirement, Brett is the face of the KC Royals.
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George Brett had already proven to be an elite player with the KC Royals during his career. On this day in 1993, he placed himself in an even more elite company with his 200th career stolen base.