Base running in baseball is a lost art. Some players do it well and others not so well. Ever wonder why the difference? It is mainly due to two areas: not knowing the rules of base running, and being too defensive. And these two areas are interrelated.
Base runners are offensive weapons that are not used to their fullest extent. I see major league mistakes on the base paths during every game I watch. A player will not freeze on a line drive with less than two outs, or try to advance from second to third base with a ground ball hit in front of them, or tag up when a fly ball is clearly over the head of an outfielder. These are just a few of the myriad of mistakes made – even at the major league level.
And the worst thing about base running mistakes is they are mental errors. As a player and coach I can tell you that mental errors are the worst mistakes baseball players can make. They sap the momentum from a team. Physical errors are going to happen – it’s just the nature of the game. But mental errors have no such leniency because they are avoidable.
Base running is a balance of risk and reward. Players and base coaches must constantly evaluate each play before and during the play. The game situation is important by knowing the number of outs, the score, and in what inning the game is currently. Base runners must know the defense: who’s fielding the ball, the fielder’s position and arm strength. And the base runner and base coaches must factor in the runner’s attributes of speed, jump quickness, reads, and savvy. It’s a lot to know and evaluate, but all good base runners do it.
When base runners know the rules and situation, they become an offensive force that puts pressure on the defense. This can force defensive miscues, and can turn the tide of games. If base runners merely “check in” to each base, they allow the defense to relax and keep the upper hand of momentum.
We have all seen overly aggressive base runners that “run” their team right out of a big inning. I’m not advocating this type of silly aggressiveness. What is important is knowing the rules of base running, then constantly pushing the defense to make perfect plays every time. By putting this kind of pressure on the defense, it grabs momentum and forces defensive errors. Thanks for reading!
