In the early days of professional baseball, McGeary developed a reputation as one of the best base runners in the game. He led the NABBP in stolen bases in 1871 and was among the NABBP league leaders in the category four times from 1871 to 1875. His base running also contributed to his ability to score runs once he got on base. Between 1871 and 1875, he averaged more than a run per game every year and scored a total of 305 runs in 250 games. In 1916, McGeary claimed a record for having scored a run on a base hit with only three balls pitched. "He hit the first ball for a single, stole on the second pitch, and scored on an awkward infield hit on the third ball. Asked why the infielder did not throw home instead of to first Mike answered: 'Oh, we had boneheads in those days the same as you have them now.'"