Who lost the most bases as a base runner in a game? Four players tie for the dubious record of 9 bases lost in our Most Bases Lost as a Base Runner in a Single Game Report. And not one of these players gained a single base as a base runner in their respective games, and they weren’t forced to run on any of the these plays. In every case, they chose to run, and every one of those choices was the wrong one.
Here are the proud record holders in chronological order (along with their base running outs). As you’ll see, there are lots of ways to lose 9 bases as a base runner in a game.
Joe Judge, Washington Senators vs Cleveland Indians, Sept. 21, 1916
- 2nd inning: Out trying to score on a grounder (-3)
- 4th: Out advancing from 2nd to 3rd on grounder (-2)
- 7th: Caught stealing 2nd (-1)
- 12th: Out trying to score from 2nd on a single (-3)
Bing Miller, Philadelphia Athletics vs Chicago White Sox, July 18, 1924
- 1st: Out trying to score from 2nd on a single (-3)
- 3rd: Out trying to score from 1st on a double (-3)
- 8th: Out trying to score from 3rd on a grounder (-3)
After being thrown out at the plate twice, you’d think Bing would’ve been cautious the 3rd time. But no. Believe it or not, the A’s actually won the game, 4-3.
Bing Miller tagged out at home plate by Washington Nationals catcher "Muddy"
Ruel in 1925. He was used to that.
Clyde Barnhart, Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs, April 22, 1925
- 3rd: Out tagging up from 3rd (-3)
- 5th: Doubled off on bunt pop to the pitcher (-3)
- 8th: Out tagging up from 3rd (-3)
Shockingly, the Pirates won 6-1 over the Cubs.
Tris Speaker, Washington Senators vs Chicago White Sox, July 17, 1927
- 1st: Out tagging up from 3rd (-3)
- 7th: Caught stealing home (-3)
- 9th: Caught stealing home (-3)
The Hall of Famer (photo to right) was caught stealing home twice in a single game? Must be a record.
*See the Title Page of the report for a list of the running plays that count toward tBGR.
Use the Game IDs on the report to search for the box scores in BaseballReference.
Note: The tBG database currently goes back to 1914.