Emaarion Boyd Achieves Historic Six Steals Without a Hit in Minor League Baseball
In an extraordinary display of baserunning, Emaarion Boyd made headlines by becoming the first minor league player in over 20 years to steal six bases in a game without recording a hit. This remarkable achievement occurred during a match where High-A Beloit triumphed over Cedar Rapids with a resounding score of 10-0.
Game Highlights
During the game, Boyd batted in the ninth position and played center field. His unique feat included reaching base via a fielder’s choice, a walk, and being hit by a pitch. He successfully swiped second and third base on multiple occasions. In the ninth inning, after drawing another walk, Boyd faced a situation where he could not attempt additional steals due to another runner occupying his path.
Boyd’s Reaction
“I thought it would be even more crazy if I got eight,” Boyd expressed in a statement to The Associated Press. “I wish I could have had two more. It would have been really crazy then.”
Career Background
At just 21 years old, Boyd is a 2022 11th-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Phillies. He was later involved in a trade that sent him to the Miami Marlins. Over his minor league career, which spans 203 games, he has accumulated an impressive total of 98 stolen bases. Notably, 83 of these steals were achieved during the 2023 and 2024 seasons while playing for Single-A Clearwater and High-A Jersey Shore.
On Baserunning Strategy
Boyd attributes his success on the bases to his ability to outsmart the opposing pitcher and catcher. “I just really try to be better than the pitcher and catcher when I get on base and get a good enough or perfect jump,” he explained. “And then I use my God-given talent.”
Historical Context
According to MLB.com, Boyd’s six-steal game is unprecedented in minor league history dating back to at least 2005. He had previously achieved a similar six-steal game while playing for Clearwater in 2023, but that time included a hit. In the majors, no player has accomplished the same feat of six stolen bases without a hit since at least 1901.
