Baserunning is one of the most important aspects of baseball. As a baseball fan, you may think that baserunners make baserunning in Major League Baseball easy.
But, in the long run, there are many things to be maintained by the base runners on the bases.
On the other hand, if you are new to baseball and have started to learn about baseball, baserunning is a good part of learning.
You will find numerous facts that are related to baserunning in baseball. There are rules, fundamentals, techniques, etc. Also, there are many terms for baserunning, like a fair ball, third base, fly ball, stolen bases, base hit, base coach, and many more.
Things are not limited to talking about. So, keep reading the post to know the basics of baserunning with improvement techniques, tips, and much more.
What is Base Running in Baseball?
Baserunning in baseball is the act of moving from one base to the next base by the baserunners. It is a part of getting a home run by stepping on the home plate from the third base.
The team that attempts to get runs is called the offensive or batting team in baseball. In an attempt at baserunning, the batter-runner on the home plate tries to become a baserunner.
To do this, after hitting the bat, the batter must advance to the first base, and the baserunner on the first base needs to go for the second base.
From the batter-runner to the base runner, the runner goes through all three bases, including the first base, second base, and third base.
A complete cycle of base running by a baserunner from the home to home plate is considered a home run and a point for the team in batting.
Additional Read: What Is Cycle In Baseball? I Bet You Didn’t Know These
What is a Base Runner in Baseball?
The baseball team players from the batting side who are on the bases are considered the base runners. A batter becomes the baserunner when he hits the ball and safely gets on the first base.
When the batter hits the ball and advances for the first base, he is known as a batter-runner or simply a runner.
To put it simply, the goal of the baserunners is to score home runs by advancing from the running bases to the home plate.
Becoming a runner in baseball has several phases.
- The batter hits a ball in the fair territory of the baseball field. Also, he must not be put out as well.
- A fielder’s choice is hitting.
- The fielders commit a fielding error. As a result, the batter gets the opportunity to reach the next base easily.
- The batter gets an uncaught strike. The uncaught strike is the third strike by the pitcher, and the catcher missed the ball to clean catch.
- The batter gets a walk.
- The batter gets hit by a pitch.
- And finally, the catcher’s interferes with the batter.
If one of the incidents, as mentioned above, happens, it immediately makes a batter a baserunner.
By the way, the term batter-runner is used for the batter to the phase of becoming a base runner. It counts till the batter ends the run to safely get into the targeted base (mostly the first base) with the same swing.
But, if the batter is awarded advancement to the next base by a walk, a hit by the pitch, or any fielder interferes with him, the batter-runner term will not be used.
Opposite to the baserunning and good batting, good pitching is the most important aspect for the defensive team. If you are a newbie pitcher, or already playing in little leagues, you might be happy to know what are the best pitches to throw in baseball.
Base Runners Getting on Base
As I mentioned, if he hits a legal ball in fair territory, the batter must run immediately. Also, sometimes, the batter needs to run immediately, even after he hits a could ball (but it seems fair at first).
By the way, as a result of the batter’s runs for the first base, he could become the first baserunner or even get tagged out. Whatever happens, the batter must move for the next base if he hits the ball.
Okay, if the batter safely reaches the base, he is called on-base by the umpire and becomes a baserunner.
On the other hand, even if the batter hits a foul ball and starts to run, and the umpire calls it a foul ball, the batter will return to the home plate for batting again.
Baserunning ins Baseball: Stealing Bases
A good baserunner always tries to steal bases. A baserunner on any of three bases can attempt to steal bases.
Stealing base means attempting to advance to the next base from the current base. It is tried when the baserunners think the pitcher is distracted before the moment he throws the pitch.
Sometimes they can reach the next base before getting thrown out by the pitcher. If the runner can successfully reach base is called the stolen base.
The second base and the third base could be the stolen bases. If a baserunner successfully steals the second base is called a stolen second base. Like this, if the third base is stolen is called the stolen third base.
By the way, technically, the first base cannot be stolen. Because a baserunner (the batter, actually) can only be on the first base after a fair hit or a walk.
But in the rarest case, the batter could steal the first base in case of an uncaught wild pitch.
On the other hand, you can not steal a base if the base is already loaded. Aside from this, the third baserunner can attempt and steal the home plate even if the hitter is on the scale.
Some other facts about stealing bases.
- The most stolen base is the second base.
- Mainly because this is the base that is the farthest away from the catcher while throwing the ball. As a result, it is the most no-frills base to steal from, which makes the second base the most desirable.
- Occupied bases cannot be stolen more than once at a time. A command is not allowed to share with two basemen.
The Time You Need to Attempt Stealing the Second Base
To steal the bases, you should know when to take the attempt and when you don’t. Here I am mentioning three facts that you should know.
If you know these three facts, I think you can make your decision to steal the second base easily.
Know Your Speed
Do you know how much time you need to advance to the second base from the first base? Stealing the bases needs super fast speed and reflections.
If you can reach the second base in 3.2 to 3.38 seconds from the first base, you are got to go take the attempt.
Know the Pitcher’s Speed to Home Plate
Now, calculate the pitcher’s speed to throw the ball to the batter, and the catcher catches the ball. Take the time between these two movements.
Generally, a quick pitcher may take 1.1 to 1.29 seconds to send the ball to the catcher's mitt. But, in a nutshell, you may expect a pitching speed of 1.35 to 1.40 seconds to take the attempt to steal the second base.
Know the Catcher’s Throwing Speed
Now, calculate how much time the catcher needs to send the ball to the second base. By the way, the average catcher’s throw to the second base is 2.00 seconds.
Now, do the final calculation. See if your running time from the first base to the second base is faster than the pitcher and the catcher’s throwing time; you should take the stealing attempt.
Otherwise, it is not safe to attempt.
Additional Read: What Is an Eephus Pitch? | A Mystery?
Stealing Third Base- Pro Tips
Figure 06- You must be super fast and master sliding to steal the third base
You first need to measure some initial steps to steal the third base from the second base.
See, the pitcher often looks to the second base to know the baserunner’s state and pitches the ball to the batter. If you observe well, you will see a rhythm on the look of the pitcher see to the second base.
As becoming a pro baseball insider, you should be able to calculate and take the attempt to be succeeded. If your calculation is right, you can pass the pick-off attempt of the third baseman.
So, what do you need to steal the third base?
- It is impossible to steal the third base unless you are that much faster. And, when you are in a standstill position, you should not go for it. Get your required momentum along with the pitcher’s attempt to throw the ball to the batter.
In stealing the third base, you will get ease to fool the pitcher than the catcher. Because the catcher has less distance to throw to the third base from his box. So, enhance your momentum with the pitcher’s movement.
- To confuse the pitcher, using shuffle steps is an effective way. So, shuffle your steps and remove your comfort feet when you move to steal the third base.
By the way, if your foot shuffling timing gets imbalanced, it’s wise not to go for the third base stealing. Rather quite here in such a situation.
Miguel Cabrera shows off the wheels to get 3rd and then scores!!
How to Improve Baserunning in Baseball: Fundamental Rules and Pro Tips
Anything you want to improve and develop, you should go through some precise and organized ways. Here are some fundamentals and tips that could help you to do better in baserunning.
Give Attention to the Running Technique
To make the decision for baserunning, you should first take care of the running technique. Just running hard and fast does not mean you are going to bring a good result. You must see and analyze your surroundings.
Develop You Sliding Capability
Sliding is one of the most important techniques to master to avoid being called out at the last moment. By the way, the bent leg sliding is probably the safest sliding to get the best result.
Run Toward the First Base
Basically, the batter runs toward the first base. It is the closest distance to run for the runner. By the way, if you are a batter, you should look to your right till the foul territory. You might get a chance of getting two runs if the first baseman makes an error.
Know the Infield Fly Ball Rule
The infield fly rule is one of the most complex rules to understand. But, you must be aware of it when baserunning.
The infield fly rule is placed to prevent the defensive team from a double play. When the umpire calls an infield fly and the batter gets out, the baserunners can advance to the next bases.
By the way, the infield fly will be called if the first and second bases are occupied or the bases loaded. Also, the ball would be an easy-catching ball for the infielder(Not a line drive to bunt), and there are fewer than two outs of the offensive team.
Here are some more to keep in mind:
- You could try using a decent secondary lead. It will make the pitcher unsure of what to do.
- If you are unable to observe the play, you should follow the base coach’s indication.
- When deciding whether or not to sprint, you should always observe the pitcher and how he moves.
- Wherever you play, in major leagues or other, run as fast as possible if it is a ground ball after you hit it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is baserunning important?
The goal of the baseball game is to win the game. The team which gets the most runs wins the game as a result. As you might know, advancing the bases is the only way to score runs. Baserunning is the way you can advance for the next base(s).
What makes a good baserunner?
In order to continuously improve their technique, baserunners need to train constantly. Along with them, interest, concentration, and expectancy will play a role in the success of one’s hard work.
Wrap Up
Baserunning in baseball is one of the most important aspects of the defensive team. Without some exceptions, you cannot advance to the next base(s) without baserunning.
As a result, if you want to become a good baserunner, you must keep practicing with the precise techniques mentioned above.
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Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.