Chapter 20. The Squeeze and The Sacrifice Bunt

Objective

The Manager signals for the Sacrifice Bunt when he wants to move one or two runs into the best possible scoring position and is willing to give up an out to do so.

How it is Executed

With only 1st base occupied, it's best to place the ball along the base lines in such a way as to eliminate the possibility of a play at 2nd during the sacriface bunt

With 1st and 2nd occupied, the sacrifice bunt should be made up the 3rd base line and hard enough to get by the pitcher. This will force the third baseman to field the ball, eliminating the possibility of a play at 3rd and usually 2nd.

The runner takes a good lead, moves off with the pitch slightly. He does not attempt to advance until the ball is ON THE GROUND!

When it is Executed

Visiting Team-The Sacrifice Bunt sign can be given when the game has progressed past the middle innings; the score is tied or the visiting team is ahead; when there are none out with runners on 1st, and 1st and 2nd. It should be given when the batter first comes to the plate.

Home Team-Same principles as those that apply to the Visiting Team with one exception-the Sacrifice could be used to tie the score in the late innings.

THE SQUEEZE

Objective

The Manager signals for the Squeeze Bunt when he wants to score a runner from 3rd, or 2nd and 3rd and is willing to give up an out to do so.

How it is Executed

The batter gets as far back in the batter's box as possible.

At the last possible moment, the batter faces the pitcher and bunts the ball on the ground in any direction that is away from the pitcher.

The runner on 3rd can use what is known as the "suicide" squeeze, or "safety" squeeze. In amateur ball, the suicide squeeze is most common. The runner forgets that the batter is going to squeeze bunt and tries to steal home. He first takes as much lead as he can get (in foul territory). He breaks for the plate the instant the pitcher starts his normal windup. (In pro ball, the runner doesn't break until the pitcher turns his head to the plate to deliver the ball.)

During the safety squeeze, the runner goes about 1/3 of the way home on the pitch, waits for the ball to be bunted. If he doesn't think he can make it safely, or if the ball is popped up, or missed, he races back to 3rd.

When there are runners on 2nd and 3rd, (the Double Squeeze bunt), some slight variations are employed. The runner on 3rd, takes a good lead, waits for the pitcher to turn his head to the plate, then tries to steal Home. The runner on 2nd takes a good lead and digs for 3rd as soon as the pitcher starts his move. If the ball is bunted, he rounds 3rd and keeps going.

Remember, the runners "go" on the pitch that follows the Sign; the batter bunts the pitch that follows the Sign.

When it is Executed

Do not use the squeeze bunt unless you are sure to surprise the opposition.

Use the squeeze with 1 out, the pitcher behind on the ball and strike count, a strong pitcher on the mound and when in the last two innings of the ball game. The visiting team should only squeeze when ahead or when the score is tied. The Home team could squeeze to tie, to win, or to add to a lead.

THE DOUBLE SQUEEZE

Besides the sacrifice bunt, the double squeeze is a very effective play in amateur ball, but seldom used. After the fielder picks up the bunted ball, his back will be to the second runner and he will almost always go through with the throw to 1st to get the batter. The throw alone will permit the second runner to score.

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