by James Douglas Doorsman

Created on: February 23, 2010   Last Updated: August 28, 2010

How can one define being a good base runner?  Fast is important in running the basepaths but smart running makes the ultimate base runner.  I isn't enough to just go out there and start running “helter skelter”, the other players are trained to get you out if you don't run smart.  The base runner has to know when to break for second if he is trying to steal or to remain at first quite possibly diving back in to avoid a tag.  Break for the base at the wrong time and you can also be caught in a “run down” and embarrassingly just another out. 

 You must to be careful not to round the "bag"  too far or a good fielder making a "heads up" play, will fire the ball to the baseman and you will be tagged out.  I use the terms “heads up” and “fire” for a reason, the better players think very quickly and so should you when running the bases.  A poor decision and the “gapper” you hit into the right field corner instead of being a double is an out at third base.  Be aware of where the ball is at all times when on the base paths.

 The pitchers job if you are first base is either to hold you close to the base or pick you off. The better pitchers have a deceptive move towards first and the lackadaisical player is sitting on the bench humiliated if not well aware of his pick off motion.  Stealing bases is an art that a runner can master, I’ve seen players steal home plate which takes a special kind of base running.  To steal a base you must be aware of the position of the pitcher catcher and the base man of the particular base you might be attempting to steal.  One wrong move and you are just another out.

 So in retrospect your team-mate hits a ball to left field and you round second and look to see where the ball is.  Do you advance to third base?  Not likely because it is a short throw from left field to third base so you hold at second.  On the other hand a ball hit to right is more likely to advance you to third because if the right fielder makes the long throw to third not only are you more likely to be safe but the runner going to first can advance to second on the throw.  Smart base running by smart players makes a winning combination.

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