During Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night, Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts stole second base and America’s hearts by earning everyone free tacos for a day.
It is the second time in the last three years that Betts has won free tacos for everyone across the nation. Taco Bell‘s “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” promotion has become an annual event for the last eight years. Fans eagerly watch the games and check social media in anticipation of “stealing” a taco. During the World Series, the first player to steal a base earns everyone a free Doritos Locos taco.
“‘Steal a Base, Steal a Taco’ has become a tradition tied to the World Series,” MLB chief revenue officer Noah Garden said in a statement.
Taco Bell‘s official Twitter account posted about the free giveaway Tuesday night. The post called Betts a “Taco Hero.”
Betts Steals Base, Steals Tacos for the Second Time
In the fifth inning, Betts stole second base as the Dodgers faced off against the Tampa Bay Rays. Previously, while playing for the Boston Red Sox in the 2018 World Series, Betts also triggered the free tacos with a stolen base. Ironically, Betts’ Red Sox were competing against his current Dodgers team in that series.
In addition to Betts stealing second, he then went on to steal third base, as well. Teammate Corey Seager also stole second on the same play making the Dodgers the first team since 1912 to steal three bases in one inning of the World Series.
In the fourth inning, fans and the announcers both thought L.A.’s Chris Taylor earned America free tacos. Taylor successfully stole second base, but he was called back to first when the umpire ruled the play a wild pitch instead.
Even other MLB players were excited about the free tacos. Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner shared two photos on Twitter in recognition of the Taco Bell promotion. The first showed Turner, part of last season’s championship team, stealing second in last year’s World Series. In contrast, Turner jokingly posted another photo of him at home this year eating tons of Taco Bell.
Taco Bell’s promotion normally makes customers wait for a specified date to receive their free tacos. However, this year the company is allowing customers to use the Taco Bell app on their phones to redeem them immediately. Additionally, for customers who do not have access to the app, the free Doritos Locos Tacos will be available in Taco Bell chains on Oct. 28.
[H/T USA Today]
