It would seem to be a controversial strategy. When the team in the field finds itself under a scoring threat from its opponent because the team has runners on second and third and less than two outs, it would seem the last thing the defensive team would want to do is issue an intentional walk to load the bases. However, teams do it all the time, and the strategy can produce great rewards --- or great pain.
Late in a close game, a manager or coach in a baseball game may choose to have a batter lay down a sacrifice bunt so the runners on base can move and get in a better position to score. A batter can also choose to bunt for a bas...
A Major League baseball field has about 90,000 square feet of playing surface between the foul lines. Within those lines, the rulebook outlines various measurements, such as the distance between the bases, pitching mound distan...
Baseball is a popular American sport played on diamonds of varying dimensions and surfaces, depending on the level of play. Despite this variance, the official base size remains the same. The rules governing the dimensions of t...
Baseball coaches are in the coaching boxes along the first- and third-base lines to help advise base runners on what they should do as they work their way around the base paths. They can do this by giving verbal cues and they c...
The first base coach has several vital duties to prevent runners from encountering ill-timed outs on the bases.
A baseball diamond has three square bases and a five-sided plate. The dimensions for each are spelled out in the Official Rules of Major League Baseball, and they carry down to all levels of baseball. Even when other field dime...
Closed bases is a term used in organized youth baseball leagues, generally for 9-year-olds and under, that describes a built-in restriction of movement on the base paths. The rules of closed bases are intended to maintain a com...
Bases are an integral part of a baseball game. There are four bases -- home plate, first, second and third. Players much touch these bases to be safe or score runs while batting. Players in the infield often must touch the base...
First base is one of the most important defensive positions on the baseball field. The first baseman is involved in nearly every infield play and must line up outfield throws when the ball is coming into the catcher. The first ...
Baseball is one of the only environments where you're encouraged to steal something and you only get sent back to the bench if you get caught. A stolen base can help your team get in prime position to score a run, making it one...
Sliding gets you to the base faster than running in a stand-up position, and it prevents you from over-running a base. It will allow you to steal bases, and also to break up a double play by getting in the way of a fielder as s...
Base-running is one of the most overlooked aspects of baseball. Running the bases correctly is not a function of speed. It is about hitting the inside corner of each base, reading the arm strength of opposing outfielders and kn...
Playing competitive baseball means taking everything you can get from your opponent. That includes being able to steal bases when you get the opportunity. Stealing second base is vital because it puts you in scoring position. W...
From professional ball stadiums to Little League parks to vacant lots, baseball diamonds look the same, with three bases, home plate and the pitcher's mound making up the infield. The New York Knickerbockers established the dim...
The notion of sticking a weaker player at first base because it is an easy position to play couldn't be farther from the truth. First basemen have many responsibilities on the field aside from merely catching the ball. Position...
Creating your own baseball field and bases may require ingenuity, as regulation equipment may not be around. You'll need a suitable area to create the field. Regulation fields are a combination of dirt and turf, although any op...
Stealing bases in baseball can help a team win games. Not only do stolen bases move runners into scoring position, but the threat of a stolen base puts pressure on the defense, as well. That can divert the pitcher’s atten...
The bases on a regulation baseball diamond are 90 feet apart. This distance was written into the rules of baseball more than 150 years ago, but it suits the modern sport perfectly. You can see it in nearly every game, when the ...
The official rules of baseball contain specific rules concerning the location and dimensions of baseball bases. These rules require that the four bases be positioned so the baseball infield is a 90-foot square. Home plate is a ...
Baseball bases consist of a female anchor that is driven into the ground, into which a male anchor plate, which holds the base pad, is placed. Properly located and installed bases are essential for sanctioned baseball games, an...
Building a baseball field requires taking numerous measurements to make sure the bases and foul lines are positioned correctly. Incorrect base positions and infield shape are common mistakes but can easily be prevented. The bas...
Defensive play in baseball is one of the most overlooked aspects of the game. Fans love to see the power hitter belt a long home run and watch a pitcher with a great fastball who can pile up strikeouts. However, while both offe...
Third base is one of the hardest positions to play on the baseball field. Not only does the position require great reactions as a defensive player, a strong arm and the ability to make plays on bunt attempts, most teams expect ...
Baseball is a statistician's heaven. From winning percentage to batting average to on-base percentage, baseball offers statistics for every level of fan. On-base percentage is critical is analyzing how effective a player is at ...
Running the bases is one of the most overlooked aspects in the game of baseball. While it's great to have speed, it won't do you much good if you don't have great base-running instincts. Runners have to know when to stretch a s...
Playing first base is one of the most important and underrated defensive positions in baseball. For many years, it seemed teams were quite likely to put their least mobile player at first base because all the position required ...
You don't have to be a sprinter to run the bases well in baseball. There have been many fast runners who have struggled to run the bases well because it takes instinct, knowledge of the rules and understanding of the situation ...
Getting to first base is the first step in being a successful offensive player in baseball. Batters can hit the ball safely and get credited with a base hit, they can walk, get hit by the pitch or the fielder can make an error....
Base stealing begins with patience. Do not attempt to steal the base until you gain a proper comfort level with the pitcher's timing to the plate. To do so, get a big enough lead off the base to get the pitcher to throw the ba...
Base Stealing begins with patience. Do not attempt to steal the base until you gain a proper comfort level with the pitchers timing to the plate. To gain this comfort level, get a big enough lead off the base to get the pitcher...
You should run the bases with good form but a relaxed body. Take a deep breath just before you leave the base. The correct running form is much like a sprinter in track. You should run on the balls of your feet while pumping y...