"Stealing is the most dramatic moment of the game. The pitcher knows you're going, the crowd knows you're going, you know you're going. When you succeed it's a great feeling. Nothing upsets the other team as much as a stolen base." - Lou Brock
Recognized as one of the most gifted baserunners in baseball, Lou Brock helped to revolutionize the art and science of this element of the game as he totaled 938 stolen bases during his 19-year career. None of those stolen bases were more anticipated and celebrated than Brock’s career stolen base number 893, the one that broke Ty Cobb’s all-time record. The historic milestone occured on August 29, 1977 at San Diego's Jack Murphy Stadium (then known simply as San Diego Stadium). Brock entered the game one shy of Cobb's record of 892. After tying the record early in the game, Brock was on base once again in the seventh inning with a chance to steal. Though the Cardinals were playing in San Diego, the fans were rooting for Brock. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, they chanted, "Lou … Lou … Lou. Go! Go!" Padres pitcher Dave Freisleben threw to first, trying to get Brock to stick close to the bag. Freisleben finally threw home, and Brock took off. Handily, he stole No. 893, setting a new major league baseball record. The game came to a halt as the crowd rose for a standing ovation. The offered base was dug up and ceremoniously presented to Brock. It was a historic moment, and even Freisleben, who'd given away the stolen base, remarked, "I kind of got goosebumps," according to the Post-Dispatch.
This historic base is the one Brock stole on August 29, 1977 to break Cobb’s record. An accompanying photo of Brock holding the base moments after the feat provides an irrefutable photomatch. Dozens of matching soiling and scuff marks are indentifiable, including a distinct linear cut on the upper left side of the base. The underside of the base bears the marking “893 L.B. 8/29/77” in faded ink that was administered after the game by longtime equipment manager Butch Yatkeman. Brock has added his own verification with a large signature and notation “#893” on the top. Brock has also signed the accompanying photo of himself holding the base. This Hall of Fame caliber piece is the ultimate representation of Lou Brock’s status as “The Sultan of Swipe”. Includes LOA from PSA/DNA (auto.).