Vince Coleman had a dynamic career in Major League Baseball because of his unmatched speed and base-stealing ability. He debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1985, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors. That season, Coleman stole 110 bases, to set the standard for first-year players. In each of his first six seasons from 1985-1990, Coleman topped the circuit in thefts.

The speedster earned two All-Star selections in his career, one in 1988 and another in 1989. After averaging nearly 150 games per season for the Red Birds, Coleman left at the end of the 1990 season. The wear-and-tear of his aggressive style soon took a toll.

From 1991 through the end of his career in 1997, Coleman played for the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and Detroit Tigers. During those seasons he had trouble staying on the field, never playing in more than 115 contests. When he was available, Coleman remained productive on the base paths. Despite the aches and pains, Coleman finished in the top-ten in his league in thefts in 10 of his 13 campaigns.

By the end of his career, Coleman accumulated 1,425 hits, 849 runs, and 752 stolen bases. In 2018, the St. Louis Cardinals inducted him into their Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the team’s success.

Shown here is a Topps ’85 Record Breaker card signed by Coleman. It commemorates his 110 steals that year, the most-ever by a first-year player.

During the 20th century, only four men stole 100 or more bags in a season: Maury Wills, Rickey Henderson, Lou Brock and Vince Coleman.

Wills was the first to reach 100, stealing 104 bases in 1962. He was caught only 13 times in that stretch. Wills’ remarkable achievement helped the pitching-heavy, offensively-challenged Dodgers reach 102 wins that year. His stolen base total was astronomical for the time. The second-best total in the majors that season was teammate Willie Davis who swiped 32 bags, less than one third of Wills’ tally.

Wills’ 104 steals broke a modern-era record and made him the first player to steal 70 bases in a season since Ty Cobb’s 96 steals in 1915. His performance earned him the National League MVP award.

In 1974 Lou Brock swiped 108 bases to break Wills’ mark. Six years later Rickey Henderson joined the century club, then followed it up with 130 and 108 steals in ’82 and ’83. Vince Coleman joined this exclusive group in the 1980s, completing the quartet of 100-steal men. Only Henderson and Coleman achieved the feat three times, cementing their places in history among the base-stealing elite.

Fifteen years after Wills had his record-setting season Topps chewing gum put out the baseball card shown above commemorating the first 100-steal campaign of the 20th century. The speedster’s signature is across the front of the card.

When it comes to stolen bases, Rickey Henderson is quite simply the greatest of all time. The game’s single-season record holder with 130 thefts in 1982, Henderson topped the AL in steals an astounding 11 times. He and Vince Coleman are the only two men in the 20th century to record 100+ steals in three different seasons.

Henderson’s career total of 1,406 dwarfs the 938 of the #2 man Lou Brock. When Henderson passed St. Louis Hall of Famer, he took the microphone at Oakland’s home park and said, “Lou Brock was considered a great base-stealer but today I am the greatest of all time.” With Henderson’s numbers and impact on the game, there is no arguing with Rickey’s assessment.

Henderson was more than just a base stealer. A member of the 3,000 hit club, Rickey not only holds MLB’s career record for steals but also for runs scored. In his 25-year career at baseball’s highest level, Henderson finished with 3,055 hits, 510 doubles, a .401 on-base percentage, and a 127 OPS+. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first time on the ballot.

In the collection is a payroll check to Henderson from just before the opening of the 1987 campaign. It is dated March 31. To see Henderson’s signature on the back of the check, click here.

As the only player with four seasons of at least 100 stolen bases, Sliding Billy Hamilton holds a unique place in baseball history. Hamilton achieved this feat during a time when the stolen base rule differed from today’s standard. Before 1898, any time a runner advanced an extra base—such as going from first to third on a single—he earned a stolen base. The rule changed in 1898 to count only direct steals of second, third, and home.

Hamilton posted all four of his 100-steal seasons before the rule change. His big campaigns came in 1889, ’90, ’91, and ’94. For good measure he is credited with 97 steals in 1895. Hamilton lead his league in the category in each of those 5 seasons.

In the 20th century, only Vince Coleman and Rickey Henderson recorded multiple 100-steal seasons. Both Coleman and Henderson reached 100 thefts three times in their careers.

Hamilton’s four 100-steal seasons remain unparalleled. His achievement illustrates his unmatched speed and consistency. His legacy stands as a testament to the evolution of the game and the lasting impact of one of its earliest stolen base kings. Hamilton’s career achievements include two batting crowns, a .344 career batting average and a .455 lifetime on-base percentage. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1961.

This is the lifetime pass that Sliding Billy Hamilton received, the 19th ever issued as evidenced by the numbering in the top right corner. The original passes are the only of the lifetime variety that were paper. Later incarnations of the passes were issued on solid gold, sterling silver, metal, and leather.

One of only three Major League players to average more than one run per game played, Hamilton crossed the plate at least 100 times in eleven seasons. His 197 runs scored in 1894 remains the Major League record. A two-time batting champ, Hamilton hit a career high .403 in 1894.

Hamilton’s name can still be found among baseball’s all-time career leader board in stolen bases (3rd), on-base percentage (4th), and batting average (7th).

Vince Coleman made history by leading his league in steals during his first six big league seasons. That achievement places him among an elite group. Only three other players, all Hall of Famers, managed the feat.

Luis Aparicio set the standard in 1956, leading the American League in stolen bases for nine consecutive seasons. Rickey Henderson followed, beginning in 1980, and led the American League in steals for seven consecutive years and 11 overall. Beginning in 1960, Maury Wills reeled off six-straight league-leading totals including an astounding 104 in his 1962 MVP campaign.

Coleman’s feat of leading the league for six successive seasons is significant. His consistency in stolen bases set him apart from most players. Stealing bases requires speed, timing, and intelligence, all of which Coleman displayed in abundance. His dominance in this category earned him a place among baseball’s best.

The other players who accomplished this rare feat—Aparicio, Henderson, and Wills—are icons in the game. Each player built a legendary career, thanks in part to their mastery of stealing bases. Vince Coleman belongs in this company, a testament to his skill and longevity in a specialized role.

In the collection is this contract signed by Aparicio. It is from before his big league debut. The deal is for an item purchased by thousands of fans. For years souvenir stands at MLB stadiums offered baseballs with stamped signatures of the home team. This contract, signed by Aparicio, is for the shortstop to have his autograph appear on those balls.

The terms of the contract? Aparicio received one cent per ball sold. Interestingly Aparicio signed the contract on March 1, 1956 but would not debut in the big leagues until nearly a month later on April 17, 1957.