Baserunning Tip

*Never make the last out at 3rd.

*Never make the first out at Home.

At this point if you know why, you know your baseball. If you do not know, please read on...

Never make the last out at 3rd because as a baserunner at 2nd you are ALREADY in scoring position. There is no need to jeopardize making an out because from 2nd you should be able to score on a hit. If you do not posses the ability to score on a hit from 2nd base, you have no business trying to go from first to third in the first place.

Never make the first out at home because from 3rd base with no out you should be able to score on a Hit, Sacrifice fly (especially if Tom, Sully or Raul bat behind you), or a ground ball to the right side of the infield unless the ball is hit extremely hard or the right side of the infield is in.

As a baserunner it is crucial to know the game situation.

For example, I love batting last because Matt Taylor follows me in the lead-off spot. If I am on first, I know that I can go 1st to 3rd on a ball hit to the right side unless the right-fielder is playing shallow. Knowing how the defense is playing and knowing the tendencies of the hitter behind you give you an edge if used properly. I do not have much speed, but it has been a while since I have been thrown out running the bases. In our first game I was standing on 3rd, one out and Fred Lievano up with Raul Rizo on deck. Fred hit a chopper to the pitcher, who never looked at 3rd, and he threw to first to get Fred. Upon contact, I took a lead and came down the line 1/3 of the way because the third baseman was playing deep and 5 paces from the line. When the pitcher never looked I peeked to see if the 1st baseman was watching me and consequently he wasn't so I broke for home. By the time another infielder said, "runner going," it was too late and I scored. Some may think that was risky with the hot clean-up batter on deck, but the defense's lack of field awareness gave me the opportunity to go home. My philosophy has always been "Take what they give you." Be an aware baserunner because...

THERE IS NOTHING MORE EMBARRASSING THAN BEING THROWN OUT ON THE BASES.

I will implement a $5.00 fine for the bonehead baserunner who gets thrown out on the bases (myself included). This will go into the pot for pizza.