How Steal A Base?

[apclr]

I am aware how to steal a base by holding onto L2 and then releasing right before the pitcher delivers the ball to the plate, but is there an easier way to do this? This is the most frustrating part of the game for an otherwise amazing game for me. I remember on the PSP Vita all I had to do was take a small lead and press L2, and I wish it was as easy as that. Does pressing bunt before I steal make a difference? Thanks!

[testorz]

Re: How Steal A Base?

I am aware how to steal a base by holding onto L2 and then releasing right before the pitcher delivers the ball to the plate, but is there an easier way to do this? This is the most frustrating part of the game for an otherwise amazing game for me. I remember on the PSP Vita all I had to do was take a small lead and press L2, and I wish it was as easy as that. Does pressing bunt before I steal make a difference? Thanks!

If I want to steal 2nd, I hold L2 and press triangle and release both.

[apclr]

Re: How Steal A Base?

so hold both buttons and release when??? i hate that you are supposed to release when the pitches goes into his motion but there is no set number of times a pitchers look back to check a runner..

[ajs41072]

Re: How Steal A Base?

so hold both buttons and release when??? i hate that you are supposed to release when the pitches goes into his motion but there is no set number of times a pitchers look back to check a runner..

I'm not aware of any reason to hold triangle, that would show bunt and if playing online, might tip off the other team you're going to steal if the batter goes into a bunt animation.

As you said, you just hold L2 and release when the pitcher goes into his motion. I look at it as if I'm a runner on base trying to read the pitchers motion and release L2 at the right time. You have to have a good runner with a steal rating and time it right to get a good jump. Also helps if the pitch you go on is an offspeed pitch. If online, you can press L1 to get an extra step in your lead (only do this if you see your opponent just pitching quickly and paying no attention to the runner). If not online, pressing L1 will mostly draw a throw over and you might get picked off. It's not easy, but I guess it shouldn't be too easy or all players could have a decent shot at stealing a base.

[apclr]

Re: How Steal A Base?

I'm not aware of any reason to hold triangle, that would show bunt and if playing online, might tip off the other team you're going to steal if the batter goes into a bunt animation.

As you said, you just hold L2 and release when the pitcher goes into his motion. I look at it as if I'm a runner on base trying to read the pitchers motion and release L2 at the right time. You have to have a good runner with a steal rating and time it right to get a good jump. Also helps if the pitch you go on is an offspeed pitch. If online, you can press L1 to get an extra step in your lead (only do this if you see your opponent just pitching quickly and paying no attention to the runner). If not online, pressing L1 will mostly draw a throw over and you might get picked off. It's not easy, but I guess it shouldn't be too easy or all players could have a decent shot at stealing a base.

i do all that stuff, but i was just thinking there has to be an easier way to do this. this is actually weird bc i find it easier to steal with slow players bc the pitcher doesn't show any attention to them whatsoever.

[lere2001]

Re: How Steal A Base?

Just press L2. The runner will attempt a steal.

[apclr]

Re: How Steal A Base?

how successful is that? not very i'm assuming lol.

[lere2001]

Re: How Steal A Base?

It's been quite successful with me when I choose the right counts, situations, and baserunners to run with.

[lere2001]

Re: How Steal A Base?

To explain further; you are more likely to get offspeed pitches that are good to run on in 2 strike counts, and I usually try to use baserunners with at least 70 in speed and stealing, preferably more.

Edit: on HOF difficulty

[moTIGS]

Re: How Steal A Base?

What difficulty are you playing on?

I’ve never had much difficulty stealing, but I usually play on veteran because I enjoy a more casual/less demanding game.

Anyone with 70/70 speed/steal ratings tends to be pretty successful for me, but I don’t try much against catchers who have cannon arms.

[kinsmen7]

Re: How Steal A Base?

There's another thread around here somewhere that is extremely helpful.

The just of it is "Press L2 to load the steal. Then, hold L1 until the pitcher starts his motion, then let it go."

Obviously a lot of it has to do with speed/steal ratings, plus the catcher's ratings that you're running against, as well as the count, but ever since I've started using it, I'm stealing at about a 70% clip.

I was just pre-loading the steals with L2 when I started and couldn't swipe a bag to save my life. This new way has worked wonders.

[mb625]

Re: How Steal A Base?

I usually prefer to simply press L2 and allow the runner to get his jump automatically rather than holding it and basing it on my own timing. I have good success with it playing on All-Star. As another poster said, it's all about waiting for the right situations and the right pitch to run on.

FYI, one of my better base stealers is an 84 speed, 60 steal player. It's possible to have success even with guys with mediocre steal ratings if you're patient enough with it

[Funkycorm]

Re: How Steal A Base?

Just press L2. The runner will attempt a steal.

I second this. I am something along the lines of 37/40 on steal attempts using this. I actually considered turning down success rate but I have had an easy time picking off the CPU.

I do nothing but hit L2 while holding the direction of the base in the case of their being more than one runner on base. Only a tap of it. I don't hold L2 down.

[EWRMETS]

Re: How Steal A Base?

The biggest thing I am seeing that helps with steals is pitcher windup and catcher ratings. Catchers with weak/inaccurate arms and pitchers with slow deliveries are pretty easy to steal on. I am stealing a ton of bases with the Rockies, who also have great speed.

[cripes]

Re: How Steal A Base?

i do all that stuff, but i was just thinking there has to be an easier way to do this. this is actually weird bc i find it easier to steal with slow players bc the pitcher doesn't show any attention to them whatsoever.

This is how it works in real life though. The good baserunners play a cat and mouse game with the pitcher and the slow guys hardly ever get a glance.