Stolen Base in World Series Means Free Tacos
Jason Bartlett's Game 1 Steal Triggers "Steal a Base, Steal a Taco"
Oct 23, 2008
The relatively uneventful first game of the 2008 World Series did contain a moment that gave both sports fans and fast food lovers cause for excitement. When Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett stole second based, he ensured that millions of Americans would get free tacos on Tuesday October 28 via Taco Bell's "Steal A Base, Steal A Taco" promotion.
The Promotion
The "Steal A Base, Steal A Taco" program actually has its own web link on Major League Baseball's web site. Taco Bell's press release for the free taco day, which says that this is the second year that the promotion has run, is available at Taco Bell's website. In both years, the stealing of a base necessary for Taco Bell to make good on its offer to let Americans "steal a taco" has happened.
According to program rules, no further stolen bases will amount to additional free tacos. One ground beef taco, crunchy shell, per person, is the rule. The deal is only good from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., possibly the four hours of the day when people are least likely to be hungry. Still, a free taco will make a nice snack.
Free food junkies will probably cruise around from Taco Bell to Taco Bell, ordering free tacos until they have consumed a full meal's worth. Of course, according to the fine print on the promotion's web site, "Participating Taco Bell restaurant manager reserves the right to deny Free Taco to any person he/she reasonably believes has already received a Free Taco or has engaged in any other fraudulent activity." So those looking to buck the system and receive more than their fair share of free tacos should use caution.
The Game
While Bartlett's stolen base secured a free taco for Americans everywhere, it failed to win the game for his team. As the AP summary of the game acknowledged, the fifth inning of the game, in which Bartlett stole second, was the last inning in which his team even earned a hit.
The Tampa Bay Rays ultimately lost 3-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies. The game was widely regarded as uneventful, featuring a lot of time spent to pitches crossing home plate with little or no consequence.
The Rays won the second game of the World Series 4-2 the next night. While Taco Bell enthusiasts anxiously watching to see if their annual free taco would come to them had no pressing reason to tune into the game, it did provide a decent sense of tension for baseball fans. The series was tied 1-1, making at at least the next three games in the series justifiably relevant to the world of professional sports.
