Complete Baserunner

The complete base runner

Ripken Baseball

Faster than a speeding bullet...

This is the phase of the game of baseball that allows a mediocre hitter to become a valuable asset to his team and a good hitter to become a better all-around player. A grave misconception leads most people to believe speed is an absolute necessity in running bases. Although speed helps, it is not the prime requisite.

Judgement, alertness, instinct and desire are qualities that will permit a mediocre runner to become a fine base runner. These qualities can be acquired and will compensate for lack of speed, even with a slow player. The extra base on a hit or error in most instances eliminates the need for a stolen base.

Although good base runners have always run with their heads up and advanced off batter balls more or less on their own, the need for encouraging this type of running is very important as the runner can already be going to the next base before the coach tells him to do so. The ideal baserunner always is running at least two bases at a time.

During batting practice

On the final swing at bat, run the ball out and remain at first base for the bunt with the next hitter. Advance to second base on the bunt and await an opportunity to advance to third. Practice walk-up lead at third base and attempt to score on a ground ball or tag up and the break for home on the fly ball.

On the second swing around the batting order, run your final swing out and practice the bat and run play. A good, conscientious effort of this routine by every player should be encouraged as it will benefit your club and add value to each individual.

Rounding bases

Touching the bases with either foot is acceptable. Many top base runners have contended that tagging with the left foot and banking against the bag is the better method. We feel a stride should never be broken to permit tagging with a certain foot.

Suggestions and explanations

Breaking from the plate the hitter should:

Concentrate on the path to follow whether it be a base hit or a routine ball to the infield.

Never put his head down and run blindly.

Anticipate a boot or bobble on every ball hit to the infield.

Have one objective in mind—make the fielder hustle to throw him out.

Be alert for first base coach's instructions on the bunt or slowly hit ball fielded behind him.

Run hard on every hit to the outfield and make the turn at first base as if every base hit had a two-base hit possibility.

Realize he will never be criticized if he runs out every ball.

The lead off base

Safe on 1st base, your runner should:

Verify the out situation and check for a possible sign.

Check infielder and outfielder positions.

Remain on the bag until the pitcher toes the rubber.

Have full knowledge of the pitchers move and ability to pick-off.

Take a "practical lead" and extend it after the pitcher has come to his set position. A basic practical lead is two and one-half steps.

Remain calm and composed when the sign is flashed.

Have his mind set on breaking up the double play.

Adjust his break from his lead position to enable him to return to the bag safely should the hitter miss a swing or the pick-off be attempted.

Instinctively know if third base is a possibility on the ball hit behind him. This he determines by judging his speed, the velocity of ball, the outfielder's position and his ability to throw.

Instinctively know third base is not a possibility without a miscue or bobble by the outfielder. He should see the ball fielded without reducing his speed too greatly.

With a man on second base, or second and third, be alert for the pick-off.

Listen intently for instructions from his first base coach.

With a man on second base be alert for the double steal—keeping in mind the catcher may throw to second to get him.

Realize that on every ball hit within his view, he should run on his own.

Break fast on the hit and run, or run and hit, and take a glance to find here the ball is hit. If he can't find the ball, look to the third base coach for instructions. He should never be decoyed by the infielder.

On a straight steal, expect help from the hitter, but keep his eyes on the fielder to determine his approach to the bag.

Take a lead in direct line with second base.

Keep in mind the occasional tag up on the fly ball and if in doubt take advice from his first base coach.

Remember he must go back to and tag the bag after every fly ball is caught.

Safe on second base, your runner should:

Naturally remember the game situation, the importance of his run, check sign for bunt and check outfielders, etc.

Remain on the bag until the pitcher toes the rubber.

With a bunt in order, take a cautious lead so as not to be forced to retreat toward the bag by a fake pick-off when the ball is bunted.

Advance only to a point where he can return safely to second base in the event of a pick-off or missed bunt.

Keep in mind he cannot advance on some balls hit to his right.

Realize his advance to home plate will be guided by the third base coach.

With less than two out, tag up on certain fly balls. If in doubt, listen for advice from his third base coach.

With two outs and two strikes on hitter, break from second on swing.

Safe on third base, your runner should:

Check with his coach on procedure—go in on ground ball, hold up, etc.

Remain on bag until pitcher toes the rubber.

On the tag up watch the outfielder catch the ball, then use good judgement in deciding to break for the plate.

Never assume a sprint position and allow the coach to start him.

When attempting to score on a ball to the infield, take a short lead and be moving toward the plate—this is called a walk-up lead. He should never take the long lead and be flat-footed when the ball is hit.

Run hard all the way across home plate anytime you are scoring a run or coming to home plate. You can be jogging up the line and a play can be made on another baserunner for the third out of the inning and our club loses a run. The on-deck hitter may also be giving you the stand up sign; this does not mean slow up—it means STAND UP. Home plate is the pay-off dish. Run hard all the way across it then you can slow up.

"Practical lead"

The word "practical" is used as it is the best way to describe a correct lead. The factors outlined here must be considered when determining a proper lead.

Speed, alertness and agility of runner.

Opposing pitcher's move and deception.

The potential of the man at bat.

The game situation.

When attempting to lengthen a lead, do not advance your runner to a point where he feels he could be picked off. He will then be leaning toward the base for protection and will not get the break when the ball is hit. A long lead when the runner is concentrating on returning to the base is referred to in baseball circles as a "one-way lead." Since this practice has no advantages and is actually detrimental to running bases, a corrective measure should be explained and enforced.

There is no need for runners to jockey back and forth and showboat while attempting to gain a lead. The lead calls for intense concentration and deception on the part of the base runner, and this cannot be realized when clowning.

Double steal

The double steal is generally attempted with runners on first and third and two men out.

Man on first assumes a practical lead and breaks hard and fast on the pitch.

Man on third takes a practical lead and lines up with the catcher and the base, attempting to hide the base from the catcher.

With the runner of 1st breaking fast, the catcher must hurry his peek at the runner on 3rd and also hurry his throw which could cause inaccuracy.

The runner on 3rd breaks for home when the ball leaves the catcher's hand.

In high classifications with experienced players the play is easily defeated, but in the lower leagues the defense is more apt to err.

In lower classifications a fake throw by the catcher or a quick toss back to the pitcher may decoy the runner on third into a trap.

On defense, make sure your catcher takes a peek at the runner on third so he doesn't get the good jump for home.

In general

Your runner should:

Never change his mind and go into a bag standing up when his intention was to slide.

Always keep in mind the baserunner ahead of him, especially when rounding first base on the long fly ball.

On occasions act as a coach for the runner behind him.

Remove all objects such as bat, mask, etc. around home plate with a runner attempting to score.

Never attempt to steal home with two strikes on the batter.

Never be doubled off on the line drive to an infielder.

Always keep in mind:

Wind, sun, park dimensions, position of fielders, opponents ability to throw, condition of playing fields and game situations, such as who has the ball.

How many outs there are.

The score and importance of his run.

The potential of hitter at bat.

The two cardinal rules of base running

Watch the man ahead of you. If he goes, you may go. If he stops, you have to stop.

Do not let the second baseman tag you on a ground ball and then throw to first base to complete a double play.

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