A Remarkable Comeback After Injury
Caleb Durbin, a rising star in the Arizona Fall League (AFL), is making waves with his impressive base-stealing skills after recovering from a serious wrist injury. Following two months of recovery, the New York Yankees decided to send him back to the AFL to regain his rhythm. Last year, Durbin set his sights on breaking the record for most stolen bases in a single AFL season but fell short with only 21 steals. However, this year, he’s determined to surpass that mark.
A Record-Breaking Performance
In a recent game, Durbin showcased his speed and agility, leading the Salt River Rafters to a decisive 7-1 victory over the Peoria Javelinas. He grabbed attention by breaking the longstanding AFL record with 24 stolen bases, originally set by Rick Holifield in 1994. In the first inning, Durbin connected solidly with a 92 mph fastball and quickly stole second base without a throw from catcher Ethan Salas. Just three pitches later, he seized third base, officially clinching the record and demonstrating his exceptional baserunning instincts.
Praise from His Coach
Durbin credits much of his success to his first base coach, Derek Woodley, who played a crucial role in helping him refine his base-stealing techniques. “He’s done an amazing job analyzing pitchers, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here — to improve my skills on the field,” Durbin said. His dedication to enhancing this vital aspect of his game is evident, and the results speak for themselves.
Durbin’s Stats and Achievements
In addition to breaking the record, Durbin made history as one of only three players to steal four bases in a single game since the AFL began detailed record-keeping in 2005. He previously achieved this milestone on October 25, matching the record set by Ronnie Dawson in 2018. Across his two seasons in the AFL, Durbin has stolen an impressive 48 bases out of 52 attempts, achieving a remarkable success rate of 92%. His consistent ability to steal bases has made him a standout player.
A Versatile Player with Multi-Position Capability
Caleb Durbin is not only a speedster; he’s also a versatile player who can cover multiple positions. In 2024, he’s started games at second base, third base, shortstop, left field, and center field in both Triple-A and the AFL. This adaptability makes him a valuable asset for the Yankees as they look to strengthen their lineup.
Yankees Management Praises His Talent
After Durbin’s remarkable performance, Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed excitement about the young talent. “Honestly, I think he’s a fantastic player,” Boone said. “He has excellent hitting ability and outstanding base-stealing skills, along with being a solid defender.” Boone believes Durbin will play a key role for the Yankees in the upcoming season, further solidifying his reputation as a player to watch.
Caleb Durbin’s journey in the Arizona Fall League has only just begun, and with his determination and skill, he’s poised for a bright future in Major League Baseball (MLB). As he continues to set records and impress both fans and management, the baseball community eagerly anticipates what he’ll achieve next.
