Top > Sport > 2006 > September > 2006-09-18

Soriano steals, legitimately enters 40-40 club

Saturday`s match against Milwaukee could have been mistaken for just another game for Alfonso Soriano. The seven year pro, All-Star Washington Nationals` outfielder led off the bottom of the first inning with a single to left field. On a 2-0 count to the next batter, Soriano took off for second base. Brewers catcher Mike Rivera double-clutched but did not attempt a throw, and Soriano recorded his 40th stolen base of the season.

After the steal, Soriano called time and removed the base. The game was delayed for a moment while the RFK Stadium crowd of 24,252 rose for a standing ovation, and Soriano tipped his helmet to the crowd. Nationals manager Frank Robinson, a Hall of Fame outfielder, said Soriano`s overall season may be unmatched. "What he`s done this year, the total package, has never been done before," Robinson said. "It`s quite an accomplishment. Where it ranks? I don`t know."

With the steal, to go along with 45 home runs this season ? he reached no. 40 on August 19 ? Soriano became only the fourth player in major league history to record 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season. Jose Canseco (Oakland, 1988), Barry Bonds (San Francisco, 1996) and Alex Rodriguez (Seattle, 1998) are the only other players who have topped 40 in each of those categories in a single season. Soriano also leads the league with 21 outfield assists.