"Coach Dunn's Quick Pitches" — By Coach Jack Dunn

Suicide Squeeze Play

Part IV: Runners on First and Third Bases

I: Runners on First and Third Bases

When there are runners on first and third bases, several interesting options utilizing the Suicide Squeeze are available to the offensive team.

The alert coach must recognize these opportunities when they present themselves and be prepared to capitalize on them when appropriate.

A. Run-and-Bunt Suicide Squeeze Play

This play incorporates the Suicide Squeeze (runner on third base) and the Run-and-Bunt Play (runner on first base). This play is usually attempted with one out.

The objective of this play is to score the runner from third base and advance the runner from first base to third base.

The runner on third base executes the Suicide Squeeze play while the runner on first base simultaneously attempts to steal second base.

This play is no more risky than a single Suicide Squeeze play.

If the batter pops the ball up and it is caught by one of the defensive players, a double play will result.

The runner at first base attempting to steal second base will be of no consequence, because the inning will be over.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Coach: The same as those in the single and double Suicide Squeeze plays.
Runner on Third Base: The same as those in the single and double Suicide Squeeze plays.
Batter: The same as those in the single and double Suicide Squeeze plays.

Runner on First Base

1. Acknowledges that he has the sign by giving a reply—brushing down his pants, tugging on his ear or nose, touching the bill of his cap, etc.
2. Steals on the pitch.
3. “Looks in,” on the third or fourth step, to see if the ball has been bunted and to determine if an advance to third base is feasible.
4. Attempts an advance to third base
   1. if the third baseman fields the bunt and is one-third of the way (30 feet or more) from third base toward home plate.
   2. if the third baseman fields the bunt and the catcher fails to cover third base.
   3. if the first baseman has a weak arm or isn’t alert.
5. Does not advance—stays at second base:
   1. if the batter fails to bunt the ball.
   2. if the ball is bunted hard to a fielder other than the third baseman.
   3. if the third baseman covers the base.

B. Long Lead/Intentional Pick-Off and Suicide Squeeze Play—against a Left-Handed Pitcher.

This play is a one-out play! It will be run either as a first-and-third double steal play or as a Suicide Squeeze play, depending upon the pitcher’s reaction to the situation.

If the left-handed pitcher chooses to pick off the runner at first base, the play becomes a double steal for the offense.

If the left-handed pitcher chooses to ignore the runner at first base and delivers the ball to home plate, the play becomes a Suicide Squeeze for the runner at third base and the batter—and a run-and-bunt play for the runner at first base.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Runner at First Base

1. Acknowledges the sign by giving a reply—brushing down his pants, tugging on his ear or nose, touching the bill of his cap, etc.
2. Takes a normal lead off first base and increases it as the pitcher is coming into his set position.
3. Invites a pickoff attempt! This can be done by slowly taking an additional adjustment step toward second base as the pitcher is coming set. Runner should place all his weight on his right leg.
4. Is subtle and sets a trap. Lures the pitcher into a pickoff attempt.
5. Keys on the pitcher’s front foot! Breaks hard for second base as the pitcher lifts his front foot! —Go Hard! Go Looking! Get Hung Up!
6. If the pitcher steps off the rubber, returns to first base. The lead should not be so obvious that the second baseman will go into the “Seal” position and ruin the play.
7. If the pitcher attempts a pickoff play at first base, the situation becomes a double-steal play and the rules for the double-steal prevail—Go Hard! Go Looking! Get Hung Up!
8. If the pitcher ignores the runner at first base and delivers the ball to home plate, the situation becomes a run-and-bunt play and the run-and-bunt rules prevail.

Runner at Third Base

1. Acknowledges the sign by giving the reply—brushing down his pants, tugging on his ear or nose, touching the bill of his cap, etc.
2. Takes a Primary Lead off third base as far as the third baseman plays from the base, or uses a measured leadoff step, crosses over and adjusts.
3. When the pitcher checks him, “Looks Dumb”—poses no threat! Stands Still!
4. Allows the pitcher to focus all of his a attention toward the runner at first base. Remember, a left-handed pitcher will have his back to the runner at third base.
5. As the pitcher goes into his stretch, begins a cautious walk toward home plate.
6. The pitcher’s attention should be directed toward the runner at first base—if the runner at third base is of no concern.
7. Keys on the pitcher’s front (stride) foot.
8. Breaks hard for home plate as the pitcher lifts his front foot! Goes all-out for home plate.
9. If the pitcher’s throw is to first base, the runner at third base should be able to beat the first baseman’s return throw to home plate and score a run.
10. If the pitcher delivers the ball to home plate, it is an Automatic Suicide Squeeze Play!
11. The Suicide Squeeze bunt sign should be given in conjunction with the Long-Lead Steal sign and acknowledged by the batter.

Batter

1. Acknowledges the sign with the coach and runner at third base (example: runs hand up his bat).
2. Keys on the Pitcher’s Front Foot. The batter must not turn too early, thereby “tipping off” the play.
3. Turns to bunt as the pitcher’s front foot hits the ground. At this point, the pitcher cannot change the direction of the pitch.
4. Must bunt the ball regardless of its location.
5. Bunts the ball into fair territory! Does not attempt to place the ball into a particular area.
6. Catches the Ball on the Bat—doesn’t jab at it.

SUMMARY

This play is an all-out gamble. It is designed to exploit the fact that the left-handed pitcher has his back to the runner at third base and desires to pick runners off first base. Because of these two facts, the runner on third base breaks for home plate earlier than he would on a normal Suicide Squeeze play.

CONCLUSION

Suicide Squeeze Plays are risky at best and it takes courage by the coach to put the play on.

To increase the chances for success, the Suicide Squeeze play must be practiced regularly, and all players must thoroughly understand the keys and fundamentals of proper execution.

Good Luck!

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