Coleman Has The ‘Book’ On Pitchers

Vince Coleman stole more than 100 bases in each of his first three major-league seasons, so when he talks about reading a pitcher, teammates listen.

Unfortunately, Coleman learned the hard way, teammates also occasionally changed teams.

“I used to run on Tom Browning any time I got on base,” Coleman said. “He’d tuck his chin against his chest and go to the plate. He never tucked his chin and went to first base. So as soon as he’d tuck his chin - I’m gone.”

Billy Hatcher, a teammate years ago, was given this secret and took it with him when he and Coleman changed teams. Coleman didn’t face Browning for nearly five years.

“When I did, I didn’t realize Hatcher was with them and I didn’t remember Hatcher and that I had ever even talked about Browning,” Coleman said. “First time I get on base, Browning tucks his chin and I take off. He throws to first and gets me. Hatcher had told him.”

Coleman, who ranks seventh on the career stolen base list with 726, keeps a mental book on pitchers and their moves. Actually, he only keeps a book on left-handers.

“Right-handed pitchers all do the same thing,” Coleman said. “With left-handers, there are three things you look for.”

No one has come close to stealing 100 bases in recent years, a trend Coleman attributes to the use of the slide-step delivery pitching coaches have instilled in their staffs whenever runners are on base.

“You can’t outrun the ball,” Coleman said. “If a guy is quick to the plate and the catcher has a good arm, the ball is going to beat you. So you look for an edge, and it’s tougher.

“The only guy I see right now capable of stealing 100 bases is Tom Goodwin in Kansas City. He’s the fastest man in the game, and he’s learning how to run.”