SQUEEZE PLAYS
AND STEALS OF HOME
Embedded Files
RULE 5.09(b)(8) - A runner is out when… he attempts to score on a play in which the batter interferes with the play at home base before two are out. With two out, the interference puts the batter out and no score counts.
RULE 6.01(g) - If, with a runner on third base and trying to score by means of a squeeze play or a steal, the catcher or any other fielder steps on, or in front of home base without possession of the ball, or touches the batter or his bat, the pitcher shall be charged with a balk, the batter shall be awarded first base on the interference and the ball is dead.
RULE 5.09(a)(14) - A batter is out when… With two out, a runner on third base, and two strikes on the batter, the runner attempts to steal home base on a legal pitch and the ball touches the runner in the batter’s strike zone. The umpire shall call “Strike Three,” the batter is out and the run shall not count; before two are out, the umpire shall call “Strike Three,” the ball is dead, and the run counts.
If there are less than two outs and the batter interferes with the catcher on a play at the plate, the runner trying to score is out. Seems like back in the day, the rule-makers made this penalty severe to deter the batter from even thinking about interfering at this most valuable base. Easy to remember.
The catcher can't step on or in front of the plate to receive a pitch. That's CATCHER'S INTERFERENCE; he didn't allow the batter to hit the pitch! The pitcher is also charged with a BALK (with the idea likely being his pitch did not cross either foul line), and all runners advance one base. An equally severe penalty on the defense. Easy to remember.
RULE 5.09(a)(14) is a very unique rule you'll need to pull out of your hat when the time comes.
SITUATION: Runners at second and third base. 3-2 count on the batter. Two outs. The runner at third breaks for home as the pitcher winds up. The pitch is out of the strike zone and is ball four. The runner is safe at home on the steal attempt. No interference has occurred.
COMMENTS: The runner at third has timed the pitcher’s windup motion and figures he has a decent chance to steal home once the pitcher begins his windup. Because the pitcher delivers the ball from the rubber, it is a pitch. The batter is given first base on this play due to ball four being called.
Hello from the BALKS section. Clayton Kershaw's long stretch motion leaves him vulnerable to a runner stealing home. Kershaw reacts quickly, steps off behind the rubber, freeing up the catcher, who steps out in front of the plate to receive the throw and get the out.
Yogi Berra steps on the plate to receive a pitch on an attempted steal of home. This is a balk, the run scores, and the batter-runner is awarded first base. And Yogi should've been tossed.
A compilation of steals of home. Check out the catcher at the 0:36 mark. He sets up, sees the runner stealing, but knows he cannot jump on or in front of the plate to receive the pitch, so he just has to squat there and wait for it to come in before attempting the tag.
TIPS FOR UMPIRES
When you see the batter square around to bunt and the runner at third charging for home, you won't even have time to say, "Oh, no." It will come out of nowhere in a game five years from now (or tomorrow!), and you'll need to be able to calmly assess the situation. You have to know if the pitcher stepped off the rubber and subsequently if the catcher is allowed to step in front of the plate. If it's a pitch, you also have a ball/strike decision to make. And you have to be aware of potential batter interference on the catcher when he's making a play on the runner coming home. And don't forget to make the safe/out call on the actual steal attempt. And what if it's strike three and the ball is in the dirt? Was it a clean catch or did it short-hop into the catcher's glove? Now you have the batter-runner taking off for first base. Did the batter offer at the pitch on the squeeze-play bunt? It's the busiest 1.5 seconds of your life. No pressure! Once you sort out the situation and made all of your judgments, the last thing you want to worry about is the correct application of the rules.
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