Cubs learn art of stealing bases from ‘zen’ master Quintin Berry

Cubs third-base coach Quintin Berry is an accomplished base stealer. He once stole 21 consecutive bases without being caught and was 5-for-5 in stolen-base attempts in the postseason, including 3-for-3 with the Red Sox when they won the World Series in 2013.

Berry talks frequently with Pete Crow-Armstrong and other Cubs baserunners about the art of stealing of a bag. First-base coach Jose Javier works with them more about the technical aspects, he said. But Berry, 42, focuses on the zen.

“I’m more of a peace of mind [guy] — peace for [Crow-Armstrong],’’ he said. “Just like, what is he thinking, what’s he doing with his body. How to keep him relaxed and be confident.

“A lot of times, guys want to be quick. They’re trying so hard. I think the harder you try, the more tense you get, the more locked up, and then you see things that aren’t there, and then you get real passive, or you get real jumpy.

“So I’m just trying to make guys feel confident, confident and comfortable.’’

When Berry was with the Brewers, they had the third highest stolen-base percentage in the majors. So far this season, the Cubs are 7-for-7. Nico Hoerner has four steals, Crow-Armstrong two and Matt Shaw one.