Offensive Considerations - Part II

BASE RUNNING

At Portland State University, our offensive philosophy was predicated upon getting runners to third base with less than two outs.

Here is why it is important to be on third base with less than two outs:

Runs can be scored without base hits!

1. A run can be scored on a fair fly ball.
2. A run can be scored on a foul fly ball.
3. A run can be scored on a ground ball.
4. A run can be scored on a suicide squeeze.
5. A run can be scored on a safety squeeze.
6. A run can be scored on a wild pitch.
7. A run can be scored on a passed ball.
8. A run can be scored on an error, either fielding or throwing.
9. A run can be scored on a balk by the pitcher.
10. A run can be scored by stealing home.
11. A run can sometimes be scored on a dropped third strike by the catcher while he is throwing to first base.

The defensive team must decide whether to play the in field "in" or play the infield "back".

1. Playing the infield back concedes a run on most ground balls to the infield.
2. Playing the infield in doubles the batter's chances of getting a hit.

Advancing to third base from first base on a base hit to the outfield is the most common way for a runner to reach third base. Therefore, the runner on first base must thoroughly understand under what conditions an attempt to advance to third base is justified.

The runner on first base should consider the following:

The number of outs -

1. No outs or two outs... no chances.
2. If you cannot make third base standing up with no outs or two outs, don't go!
3. Do not make the third out at third base because you are already in scoring positions at second base.
4. If you are thrown out at third base with no outs, you destroy the possibility of a big inning.
5. Gamble with one out! If you have a 50/50 chance of being safe and the score is close or your team is ahead - GO FOR IT!

The Outfield

1. How deep are they playing?
2. How well does the outfielder fielding the ball throw?

Other factors/considerations

1. How hard is the ball hit?
2. What is the condition of the playing field? A wet baseball is difficult to throw accurately.
3. What is the score of the game?
4. How important is your run?
5. If way behind in the score, play it safe! Don't take your team "out of the inning!"

Advance to third base on a hit to the outfield if:

1. The angle the outfielder must go to field the ball is extreme.
2. The angle of outfielder is away from third base and to his glove side.
3. The outfielder has not fielded the ball as the runner approaches second base and his momentum is away from third base.
4. The outfielder has a very weak throwing arm.
5. The ball is hit moderately deep and to the center fielder's left.
6. The catcher fails to cover third base when the third baseman fields a sacrifice bunt.
7. The third baseman fails to return to third base when someone else fields the sacrifice bunt.

Do not advance if:

1. There are no outs or two outs and you cannot make it standing up.
2. The ball is hit sharply right at the outfielder.
3. The outfielder is fielding the ball as you approach second base.
4. Your team is way behind in the score - and if there is any doubt, whether you will be safe, regardless of the number of outs.

On a long fly ball to the outfield that your are uncertain will drop in safely, advance as far toward second base as you know you can get back safely, so that you can score or at lease make third base safely if the ball is not caught. If you have passed second base and the ball is caught, you must retouch second base on your return to first.

On singles to the right field side of the diamond, you should pick up the third base coach when you are about 30 feet adult (20 feet little league) from second base, or look back over your shoulder to find the ball before you approach second base without slowing down.

Advancing to third base from second base - nobody on first base.

Advance to third base if:

1. A ground ball passes the pitcher and takes the shortstop to his left.
2. The ball is a slow roller that brings the shortstop or third baseman in on the grass.
3. The third baseman is playing very deep and the ball takes him into the hole.
4. Shortstop goes deep in the hole - advance on his throw to first base... Read white! That is, see the ball leave the shortstops' hand before advancing.

Do not advance if:

1. The ball is hit directly back to the pitcher.
2. The ball is hit directly to the shortstop.
3. The ball is hit directly to the third baseman.

With no outs, tag up on fly balls to the outfield so that you may advance to third base after the catch and be there with one out. On short fly balls go part way (as far as you know you can get back safely) you cannot advance after the catch if tagged up. However, you may be able to advance if the ball drops safely.

With one out, go part way on any fly ball that you are uncertain will be caught - if the ball drops in you will have a chance to score.

On fly balls to the outfield with one out, when it becomes apparent the ball will be caught tag up and advance after the catch.

Runner on third base.

1. Lead off in foul territory (two feet) if you are hit by the ball you will not be called out.
2. After a pitch, return to the base on the foul line, look over your shoulder. This blocks the catcher's view of the base and forces him to throw either inside or outside.
3. Read the ball off the bat - follow the ball from the pitcher's hand to the bat - anticipate!
4. High pitch usually is a fly ball.
5. Low pitch usually is a ground ball.
6. Runner does only one of two things and NOTHING ELSE.
7. Tags up - any ball hit in air.
8. Goes on - ground ball if so instructed.

CONCLUSION

Being able to advance to third base consistently is true "pressure baseball." It is the manifestation of intelligent, aggressive, and controlled base running. It also reflects how well coached a team is and the players understanding of the game.

We have only scratched the surface of the base running game. Our sole purpose was to touch upon the importance of being on third base with less than two outs... and how runs can be scored without base hits