Red Sox outfielder breaks Spring Training record that stood for nearly two decades

May 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; A Boston Red Sox hat and glove sit in the dug out before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

There's fast, and then there's Braiden Ward fast. 

The 27-year-old outfielder has yet to make his Major League debut, but could later this season thanks to his blazing speed.

Ward made spring training history on Thursday, leaving the Boston Red Sox with no option but to consider him in future pinch-running situations.

The University of Washington product set the record for the most stolen bases in a single spring training with his 17th swiped bag, surpassing an 18-year record previously held by Eugenio Velez. 

Without a throw down to second base from the Minnesota Twins, Ward slid safely into second base and half-jokingly took the bag out of the dirt to celebrate his accomplishment. 

Ward's Red Sox teammates convinced him to imitate Rickey Henderson 

When Red Sox manager Alex Cora knew that Ward was nearing the spring training stolen base record, he wanted to make sure it would be a celebrated moment. 

"AC brought it up and told me to do it in front of everyone," Ward said on the "To The Show" podcast with Andrew Parker. "Now the whole team is kind of behind me. They want me to do it. They're trying to get me to like Rickey Henderson it at the very end. Pick up the bag, like anyone cares, but just kind of a fun thing for the team. So I might do it."

HISTORY! Braiden Ward has broken the spring training record with 17 stolen bases.#RedSox pic.twitter.com/b4wo0qK9DL

Ward listened to his teammates. And even though his moment was not as groundbreaking as Henderson's all-time stolen base, it's a special moment for the minor league journeyman. 

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