Squeeze play (baseball)
Encyclopedia
In baseball
, the squeeze play is a maneuver consisting of a sacrifice bunt with a runner on third base
. The batter bunts the ball, expecting to be thrown out
at first base, but providing the runner on third base an opportunity to score
. Such a bunt is uncommon with two outs because there is a significant chance that the batter would be thrown out at first base, ending the inning
and thus negating the score. Likewise, such an attempt is unlikely with two strikes because a bunt attempt that is fouled off is an automatic third strike. The squeeze play is said to have been invented on the baseball field at Yale by George B. Case, who later went on to found the white-shoe law firm
White & Case
.
In a safety squeeze, the runner at third does not take off until the batter makes contact bunting, waiting for more certainty that the ball will go to a location from which it will be difficult for the fielding team to make an out at home plate
.
In a suicide squeeze, the runner takes off as soon as the pitcher begins to throw the pitch, before releasing the ball. If properly executed, a play at home plate is extremely unlikely. However, if the batter fails to make contact with the pitch, the runner is likely to be put out at home plate (hence, "suicide"). Therefore, the suicide squeeze usually requires a skilled bunter who can make contact consistently, even on difficult pitches.
These plays are often used in the late innings of a close game in order to score an insurance, winning, or tying run.
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
, the squeeze play is a maneuver consisting of a sacrifice bunt with a runner on third base
Third Base
is a 1978 Japanese film directed by Yōichi Higashi.-External links:...
. The batter bunts the ball, expecting to be thrown out
Out (baseball)
In baseball, an out occurs when the defensive, or fielding, team effects any of a number of different events, and the umpire rules a batter or baserunner out. When a player is called out, he is said to be retired...
at first base, but providing the runner on third base an opportunity to score
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
. Such a bunt is uncommon with two outs because there is a significant chance that the batter would be thrown out at first base, ending the inning
Inning
Inning is a municipality in the district of Erding in Bavaria in Germany....
and thus negating the score. Likewise, such an attempt is unlikely with two strikes because a bunt attempt that is fouled off is an automatic third strike. The squeeze play is said to have been invented on the baseball field at Yale by George B. Case, who later went on to found the white-shoe law firm
White shoe firm
White shoe firm is a phrase used to describe the leading professional services firms in the United States, particularly firms that have been in existence for more than a century and represent Fortune 500 companies...
White & Case
White & Case
White & Case was founded in New York in 1901 and has grown into one of the world's leading global law firms. The firm has since expanded, and has practice groups in emerging markets including Latin America, Central & Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, as well as in Europe...
.
In a safety squeeze, the runner at third does not take off until the batter makes contact bunting, waiting for more certainty that the ball will go to a location from which it will be difficult for the fielding team to make an out at home plate
Home Plate
Home Plate is the fifth album by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1975 .-Track listing:#"What Do You Want the Boy to Do?" – 3:19#"Good Enough" – 2:56#"Run Like a Thief" – 3:02...
.
In a suicide squeeze, the runner takes off as soon as the pitcher begins to throw the pitch, before releasing the ball. If properly executed, a play at home plate is extremely unlikely. However, if the batter fails to make contact with the pitch, the runner is likely to be put out at home plate (hence, "suicide"). Therefore, the suicide squeeze usually requires a skilled bunter who can make contact consistently, even on difficult pitches.
These plays are often used in the late innings of a close game in order to score an insurance, winning, or tying run.