Diamondbacks: Tim Locastro sets impressive new stolen base record

Tim Locastro got four hits on Saturday, but he also set a new record for success on the basepaths.

The Arizona  Diamondbacks beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-3 on Saturday night. Outfielder Tim Locastro had a big role, going 4-for-5 with a stolen base and two runs scored. As a display of his speed, two of those hits were infield singles.

The stolen base in the sixth inning was Locastro’s second of the season, and the 28th of his major league career (154 games). He also has yet to be thrown out while trying to steal as a big leaguer, and that successful steal set a new record.

Tim Locastro has surpassed a Hall of Fame speedster

With records kept since 1951, Locastro now has the longest streak of successful stolen bases to start a career. Hall-of-Famer Tim Raines held the record, stealing 27 in a row from 1979-81. In an interesting overlap, Locastro was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013 and his first baserunning coach that year was Raines.

The Hall of Fame has requested Locastro’s cleats, which he had specially painted for the occasion. He grew up in upstate New York not far from Cooperstown, so having his cleats there is extra special.

“Having my cleats there, it’s unfathomable,” Locastro said.

With Ketel Marte (hamstring) going on the IL this week, Locastro has started the last three games in center field and hit leadoff for the Diamondbacks. After Saturday’s four hits, he has six hits in 15 at-bats over that span. Manager Torey Lovullo cited Locastro’s video game (MLB The Show) speed, while acknowledging his development as more than that.

"“He’s got a 99 rating,” he said.“He’s not just fast … he’s a good baseball player who’s learned how to hit.”"

Marte may miss a solid chunk of time, so Locastro’s new role isn’t going away. But no matter where his career goes from here, the record he has set may stand for awhile.