Winterling - 10 Things You Don't Do On A Baseball Field

Submitted by Winterling on July 23, 2008 - 2:01pm.

Never make the 1^st or 3^rd out at 3^rd base. Why? If the 1^st out is not made at 3rd base then there is still a runner at second base with nobody out. This runner can score without having to record a base hit. The runner can first advance to 3^rd base on a bunt or even a ground ball to the right side. Now at 3^rd base with only one out, the runner can score on a sac fly, or even a ground ball to the shortstop or second baseman if they are playing deep. If the 3^rd out is not made at 3^rd base, then there is still a runner in scoring position at second base. With a 2 out lead and running on contact, the runner should be able to score from 2^nd base on a single.
Never steal or bunt in a blowout late in the game, regardless if you are the winning or losing team. Why? If winning by a lot, you don’t want to run up the score on your opponent, it isn’t proper baseball etiquette. If you are on the losing side of a blowout, your game plan isn’t to manufacture one run by bunting or stealing, instead, you are looking for the big inning. Furthermore, the winning team will typically not hold runners nor will they be in position to field a bunt because they know the losing team isn’t trying to play small ball.
Don’t slide into first base unless trying to avoid a tag. Why? Studies have shown that sliding into first base slows you down.
Don’t pimp (show boat) homeruns. Why? You are showing up the opposing pitcher. It will most likely result with retaliation in the form of a hit batter.
Never aim for the head. Why? In the event that there is going to be retaliation, you are merely trying to send a message, not end a players’ career.
Don’t get picked off on a hit and run. Why? The object of a hit and run isn’t to steal a base; therefore, there is no need to take an aggressive lead and no need to get a great jump. If the batter does his job and hits the ball on the ground, then the runner should be able to take 2^nd base easily, if not 3^rd base.
Don’t get tagged out on the first half of a double play. Why? Get in a run down if you have to, avoid the tag and prevent the double play.
If the leadoff batter on an inning gets out on the first pitch, the hitter behind him can not swing at the first pitch in his at bat. Why? If your team makes 3 outs on 3 pitches you are 1. Not giving your team’s pitcher ample rest and, 2. Allowing their starting pitcher to stay in the game longer since they have a low pitch count. Traditionally, pitchers are in the bullpen for a reason, they are not good enough to be starters. Thus, one of the objectives in a game is to make the starting pitcher throw as many pitches as possible so that the opposing team has to dig into their bullpen.
Don’t walk the lead off hitter. Why? Statistics show that they end up scoring 60% of the time.
Never jog into home plate, especially with two outs. Why? If another runner is tagged for the final out before you cross home plate, your lack of hustle will cost your team an easy run.