Ketel Marte wins America free Taco Bell with first stolen base of 2023 World Series
America, meet your new "Taco Hero": Ketel Marte.
The Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman stole the first base of the 2023 World Series in Game 1 of the Fall Classic against the Texas Rangers, becoming the latest baseball star to "Steal a Base, Steal a Taco" by giving everyone in the country the chance to score a free taco.
Marte stole second base easily off Nate Eovaldi in the top of the third inning with the Diamondbacks up 3-2.
How to redeem free Taco Bell taco
Marte's stolen bag means everyone can get a free Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco, as long as you are a member of its Taco Bell Rewards loyalty program. If you're not a member right now, don't worry; you have up to 10 days to sign up after the stolen base to get the reward.
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Members should get a notification from the Taco Bell app about the ability to redeem their free taco after the stolen base. The offer will be in the app for 10 days after the stolen base, including Friday, Oct, 27. There was also the option members had prior to the start of the series where they could predict who would be the "Taco Hero." If correct, winners will also get a free medium drink.
Taco Bell 'Steal a Base, Steal a Taco' history
An American tradition that began in 2007, Marte became the 12th "Taco Hero" in MLB history. Marte will also hope the honor will bring good luck to the Diamondbacks, as the team the "Taco Hero" was on has gone 8-3 in the World Series.
Here's the history of each World Series "Taco Hero" since the tradition began:
2022: Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies
Schwarber was the last "Taco Hero" after he stole second base during the seventh inning of Game 1 in the 2022 World Series against the Houston Astros.
The Astros would win the series 4-2.
2021: Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves
The 2021 stolen base happened just three batters into the series. After getting an infield single in the first inning of Game 1 against the Houston Astros, Albies stole second base to quickly become the "Taco Hero."
The Braves would win the World Series 4-2.
2020: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
Betts became the first two-time "Taco Hero" after he stole second in the fifth inning of Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays. He had previously done it in 2018.
The Dodgers would win the series 4-2 in Arlington.
2019: Trea Turner, Washington Nationals
It was another quick stolen base in 2019, courtesy of Turner. After reaching base on the second pitch of Game 1 against the Astros, he immediately stole second to earn everyone a free taco. Postgame, he added it was a goal of his.
"My mom was asking me to win free tacos," Turner said. "I didn't want to get yelled at so I figured I'd steal the base."
The Nationals would defeat the Astros in seven games for the title.
2018: Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox
Betts got his first honor in the bottom half of the first inning of Game 1 of the World Series in 2018 against the Dodgers. After a lead off single, he stole second base on the next pitch.
The Red Sox won the title in five games.
2017: Cameron Maybin, Houston Astros
One of the latest stolen bases, Maybin singled in the 11th-inning of Game 2 against the Dodgers, and would eventually steal second base. His score that inning would also be the go-ahead run after George Springer hit a homer with him on base.
The Astros would win the World Series in seven games.
2016: Francisco Lindor, Cleveland
Lindor stole a base in the bottom of the first inning in Game 1 of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs. His stolen bass even made then-President Barack Obama happy.
The Cubs won the World Series 4-3.
2015: Lorenzo Cain, Kansas City Royals
The Royals outfielder stole second base in the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 1 against the New York Mets in Game 1. This was the only time the stolen base wasn't for a taco, as America got free Taco Bell A.M. crunchwraps for the "Steal a Base, Steal a Breakfast" promotion. Cain would also proclaim he'd get Taco Bell for everyone after a grueling five-hour game.
"Who wants Taco Bell?" Cain said afterwards. "It's on me."
The Royals won the series 4-1.
2012: Ángel Pagán, San Francisco Giants
Pagán stole a base in the eighth inning in Game 2 of the 2012 World Series against the Detroit Tigers. Pagán took his title serious, as he helped served the tacos at a Taco Bell location.
The Giants would sweep the World Series en route to the title.
2008: Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay Rays
Bartlett stole second base in the bottom of the fifth inning in Game 1 of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Rays lost the World Series 4-1.
2007: Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox
The inaugural "Taco Hero," Ellsbury etched his name into history in Game 2 of the 2007 World Series against the Colorado Rockies by stealing second base.
The Red Sox would sweep the Rockies in the Fall Classic.