Stolen Base at World Series Means Free Tacos for All

Taco Bell is playing up its sponsorship of Major League Baseball with a replay of a promo that will give everyone in the U.S. a free taco if a player in the upcoming World Series steals a base.

Here’s how it works. If the first stolen base occurs during Games 1, 2, 3 or 4, people can order a free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco on Oct. 28 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at all participating Taco Bell locations. If the first base is stolen in Games 5, 6 or 7, the tacos will be given away on Nov. 3 during the same time frames.

A supporting Web site offers details.

This is the second year Taco Bell has run the incentive, which turned out to be a great way to get consumers to sample its products. It gave away millions of tacos last year after Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury stole second base in the bottom of the 4th inning of Game 2.

Fifteen-second TV spots supporting the promotion began airing over the weekend and will run during the series. A full-page ad is running in USA Today and online media will also promote the effort, according to Taco Bell spokesperson Will Bortz.

Taco Bell is in its fifth year as the official quick service restaurant of Major League Baseball. The company also plans to donate $20,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the official charity of Major League Baseball as well as Taco Bell, in the name of the player who steals the base in the 2008 series.

“Last year we gave away millions of tacos to America, and based on the wild popularity with consumers, we’re bringing back the promotion,” said David Ovens, chief marketing officer, Taco Bell Corp., in a statement. “With consumer sentiment near all time lows, ‘Steal A Base, Steal A Taco’ is our way of extending the magic of the World Series to everybody by celebrating the game and rewarding fans, no matter which team you root for.”