The term BASE RUNNER'S PLOY is composed of two words: STEAL and SLIDE. STEAL is a verb meaning to take something without permission or legal right, while SLIDE is a verb meaning to move smoothly along a surface. Together, these two words describe a tactic used by base runners in baseball. A base runner's ploy is when they attempt to STEAL a base by sliding into the next base before the ball arrives. This is done in order to gain an advantage over the defense and increase their chances of scoring.