The Author Of 'modern Baseball Strategy' Begins A Discussion Of The Paths That Lead To Glory—and Sometimes To Sudden Defeat

PART V: BASE-RUNNING STRATEGY

The number one objective of any-base runner, of course, must be to score.

Let's consider initially the runner on first base. The score of the game and the outs in the inning dictate to a certain extent just how much lead the man on first should take and how much caution he must exercise.

The runner on first base must always try to get a good break on a ground ball and reach second in time to break up a double play. Hitting the pivot man on a double play usually is accomplished by a hard slide in which the knees bend at a 45� angle. If the slide action comes in time, the runner will prevent the pivot man from completing the throw to first.

Individual styles of opposing infielders must be studied in order to become an expert at this type of play. One second baseman, for example, may prefer to take a throw in full stride and continue on across the base while in the act of throwing. Another may step on the base, step back, and then throw. A third may place his right foot on the base and step directly toward first base. Shortstops vary less in their position near the base when attempting to complete a double play.

FIRST TO THIRD

A vital play concerns going from first to third. The base runner should always know the exact position of the opposing outfielders, and the ability of each outfielder to get the ball to third base. This involves a knowledge of which fielders are slow or fast in charging the ball, as well as which ones have weak arms and strong arms.

The one-out situation is the occasion for the big gamble on reaching third from first. Not only can the runner score from third on a long fly, but many times the man on third also will bring the opposition's infield in—increasing the chances for a ball to be poked through or over the infield defense.

Now we come to base-running strategy with runners on first and second, or with runners on first, second and third. Most important, each runner must watch the man directly ahead to make sure he does not run up on him.

Many times a base hit to the outfield with first and second occupied or with the bases loaded will send the runner on second around third, only to be held up by the coach at third base. The runner rounding second often takes it for granted that the man ahead of him will try to score and fails to watch the lead man. This leads to trouble.