"Coach Dunns Quick Pitches" — By Coach Jack Dunn

Suicide Squeeze Play

Part I

Introduction

There is a saying in coaching circles that states “Real coaching class is when they’re running you out of town on a rail, you make it look like you’re leading a parade.”

Put the Suicide Squeeze Play on late in the game and have it fail, and you may have an opportunity to test this thesis firsthand.

The Suicide Squeeze is a very exciting play and a momentum changer.

When executed correctly, it gives the offensive team a real boost and is a real bummer for the defensive team.

Conversely, if the Suicide Squeeze fails, it is a “real bummer” for the offensive team and gives the defensive team a “real boost”!

Calling for the Suicide Squeeze Play is a “gutsy” call by the manager/coach.

Disadvantages of Suicide Squeeze Play

1. The Suicide Squeeze Play is often employed with a weak hitter at bat. The inability to make contact with the ball characterizes the weak hitter. Having to make contact in a pressure situation–irrespective of the pitch’s location, compounds the batter’s woes and increases the chance of failure.
2. Like the Hit and Run, the Suicide Squeeze forces the batter to offer at the pitch regardless of its location–in or out of the strike zone.
3. The runner at third base
   1. doesn’t know the play is on and fails to break for home plate.
   2. breaks for home plate too soon, “tipping off” the play! The pitcher throws inside to the right-handed batter (knock down) and pitches out to the left-handed batter. The play is thwarted and the runner is tagged out.
4. The batter
   1. doesn’t know the play is on and takes the pitch, leaving the runner stranded.
   2. turns too early, “tipping off” the play. The pitcher throws inside to right-handed batter (knock down) and pitches out to the left-handed batter.

Advantages

1. When executed correctly, the play is indefensible.
2. When executed correctly, the play is a “momentum changer.”
3. It adds excitement and daring to the offense.

Execution/Responsibilities

Aptly named, the Suicide Squeeze Play is an all-out, all-or-nothing play designed to score the runner from third base with a bunt.

The success of the Suicide Squeeze Play is dependent upon the coach, batter and the runner at third base executing their responsibilities flawlessly.

Coach:

1. Signs/Signals
   The coach must develop a communication system in the form of both physical and verbal signs to let the runner at third base and the batter know that the Suicide Squeeze Play is on!

   1. Verbal Sign
      Used to get the attention of the runner at third base and the batter. “You’re the Doctor!” or “Drive One Out of the Park!” are examples of verbal signs designed to alert the runner at third base and the batter.
   2. Physical Sign
      The physical sign usually follows the verbal sign but can be given simultaneously. A simple sign such as “Covering the letter on the cap” or “Covering the belt buckle” will suffice.
   3. Acknowledgement
      Once both the verbal and physical signs have been given by the coach, the runner at third base and the batter MUST ACKNOWLEDGE that they have the sign.
      1. Acknowledgement by the runner at third base
         Because the runner at third base is close to the third base coach, the acknowledgement could be as simple as a “wink” of the eye” for the coach or a “brush down the pants!” for the batter.
      2. Acknowledgement by the batter
         It is absolutely essential that the batter acknowledge that he knows the Suicide Squeeze Play is on. An example of replies acknowledging the fact that the hitter knows the play is on might be
         1. Running the top hand up the bat
            This should be done slowly and deliberately.
         2. Digging the rear cleats into the dirt
            This is an exaggerated movement and should be done slowly and deliberately.
         3. Touching the button on the cap, clenching the fist, tugging on the ear, touching the nose, etc., are other examples of acknowledgements.
            Coaching Point–an absolute!
            If the batter fails to acknowledge the Suicide Squeeze Sign, the play is off and the runner on third base does not go.
            No Acknowledgement, No Play!
         4. Teach the components of the Suicide Squeeze with emphasis on keying on the pitcher’s front foot.

Runner on Third Base:

1. Acknowledges the sign with the coach and the batter.
2. Breaking for Home Plate

   The Runner on third base must not “tip the play off” by breaking too early.

   1. Key on the Pitcher’s front foot – The runner on third base breaks for home plate as the pitcher’s front foot hits the ground.
      At this point, the pitcher cannot change the direction of his pitch.
   2. Wind up – If the pitcher uses a full wind-up, the runner at third base should “walk quickly toward home plate” and break full speed when the pitcher’s front foot hits the ground.
   3. Stretch – If the pitcher throws from the stretch position, the runner at third base must be more conservative. This is similar to the lead used when leading off first base.
      1. Lead off third base as far as the third baseman plays from the base.
      2. If the third baseman plays on third base, use a measured lead of step, crossover and adjust.
      3. Be aware of a pick-off attempt by the pitcher, at third base.
      4. If the pitcher swings his “free foot” past the back edge of the pitcher’s rubber, it is a balk if he attempts a pick-off at third base.
      5. Break hard for home plate when the pitcher’s front foot hits the ground.

Batter:

1. Acknowledges the sign with the coach and runner at third base (example: runs hand up the bat).
2. KEYS ON THE PITCHER’S FRONT FOOT
   The batter must not turn too early, thereby “tipping off the play.” The batter turns to bunt as the pitcher’s front foot hits the ground. At this point, the pitcher cannot change the direction of his pitch.
3. MUST BUNT THE BALL REGARDLESS of its location!
4. Bunt the ball into fair territory! Do not attempt to place the ball into a particular area.
5. Catch the Ball on the Bat–don’t just jab at it.

Conclusion:

The Suicide Squeeze Play is often used late in the game, when the runner on third base represents the tying or winning run.

It is best used with one out and when the batter is ahead in the count–or when the pitcher must throw a strike. Those with courage may call for the play on the first pitch.

Remember:

1. No Acknowledgement, No Play!
2. Key on the Pitcher’s Front Foot.

Good Luck!

Part II next month!

For more from Coach Dunn click on Coaches Corner on the JUGS® website.