Ellsbury's theft was his major league-high 60th of the season, making him the first Red Sox player ever to reach that mark. The leadoff hitter is also the first American Leaguer to do so since the Angels' Chone Figgins stole 62 in 2005.
The speedy center fielder has been a nightmare and a nuisance for pitchers and catchers this season. He's been caught just nine times in 69 attempts for an 87.0 percent success rate.
Among American Leaguers with at least 60 steals in a season since 1920 (the year CS began to be kept consistently in the AL), only three players have posted higher percentages: Rickey Henderson (twice) Willie Wilson (twice) and Bert Campaneris.
Highest AL stolen base percentage since 1920 (60 SB minimum):
PCT. PLAYER, YEAR SB
88.9 Rickey Henderson 1985 80
88.8 Willie Wilson 1980 79
88.6 Bert Campaneris 1969 62
87.7 Rickey Henderson 1988 93
87.4 Willie Wilson 1979 83
87.0 Jacoby Ellsbury 2009 60
