Overview
- Ward stole his 17th base of the spring against the Twins on March 12, surpassing Eugenio Velez’s 2008 mark of 16 for the most in a single Grapefruit League since official tracking began in 2006.
- After the record swipe, he picked up the base in a nod to Rickey Henderson’s famed celebration.
- Manager Alex Cora and teammates highlighted the approaching milestone around Ward’s 13th steal and encouraged the on-field tribute.
- Ward entered camp as a nonroster invitee and seized expanded playing time while several Boston outfielders were at the World Baseball Classic.
- He owns a strong minor-league track record with 211 career steals, including 57 last season, though reports caution the spring record alone may not secure an Opening Day roster spot.