However if you take a second to compare Hamilton’s base stealing times to that of Ricky Henderson you will find that they both averaged a shade below 3 seconds from base to base when they got a good jump. Whether or not you believe that Hamilton will make a serious attempt at the record, you cannot deny the fact that his speed is on par with some of the greats.

The problem is the whole ballpark knows that Billy Hamilton is more than likely going. With players becoming more and more athletic as each decade passes the catchers have stronger arms and the ball is getting to 2nd and 3rd base from home much quicker than the likes of Hugh Nichol and Arlie Latham experienced in 1887. Pitchers get the ball from the mound to home plate as quick 1.1 seconds and the catchers get the ball from their glove to second as quick as 1.8 seconds which equals just a shade under 3 seconds for a runner to beat out the throw. This means that even the unfathomable speed of a player like Billy Hamilton doesn't guarantee a stolen bag, which is evident through him getting caught over 23 times last season.