Do all baseball commentators say 'the runners will go on the 3-2 pitch'?

Question

Is it obvious they will go, if so why do they say it? When might they not go when the count is 3-2?

Answer 1

There are many times that a runner may not go on a 3-2 count. The only time that it is automatic is if there are two outs, and there is a runner on first (or first and second or first, second and third). The reason that the runner is stealing is that there are three possible outcomes of the at-bat. The batter walks, forcing the runner to advance a base anyway, the batter strikes out and the inning is over, or the baseball is put in play. In this situation there is no risk to be thrown out. The runner is not stealing a base, they are just getting a head start so they can advance an extra base if the batter makes contact.

If there are less than two outs, the team risks a "strike-him-out throw-him-out" double play. If the batter misses the pitch, the runner that is stealing could get thrown out. If the batter strikes out a lot, and there are less than two outs, the runner probably will not be sent.

I enjoy when announcers state the obvious. It's how I learned baseball. If an announcer does not explain the situation to new or young viewers, they may never learn to appreciate the game.

Answer 2

The only time the runners are guaranteed to run on a 3-2 count is when there are two outs. The person watching for twenty years apparently still doesn't listen or understand the tactics of baseball.

If there are less than two outs the runners will not necessarily take off, because if the batter strikes out, the runner can get thrown out trying to steal. Thus causing the double play the responder said they were trying to avoid by running.

To answer your question though, not all announcers will say the runners are going, but most of them will because they have to keep the viewers or listeners aware of what is happening on the field. In addition, they are paid to fill out three hours of a baseball game with commentary and dead air is not good. So, they make even the simplest comments to keep the dead air time to a minimum.

Answer 3

The obvious scenario when a runner would not run on a 3-2 count would be when a runner is on third. The runner doesn't want to get stuck in a pickle and if it's less than 2 outs they have the opportunity to tag up and score the run.

The purpose of running on a 3-2 count is to break up the double play. By getting a head start there is a greater possibility of keeping your team on the offense instead of heading back to the dugout. If the batter should put it in play then they have a hit-and-run on and the runner has the opportunity to score if they are blessed with speed.

Commentators are merely describing the tactics the teams are using in that situation. As described above there is at least one situation in which they wont run on a 3-2 count.

Answer 4

They might not go on a 3-2 count with zero or one out(s). Also, if there isn't a runner behind them, they probably won't (i.e. only a runner on second or runners on 2nd and 3rd)They are commentators, they have to announce things like their listeners don't understand everything about baseball.

This comment still isn't as bad as 98% of what Madden says during football games...I actually heard him say once, "it's now 4th and 6, if they don't pick up 6 yards they'll turn the ball over." Now that's something that doesn't need to be said.

Answer 5

They ONLY say the runners will be going when there are 2 outs on a 3-2 pitch... It's automatic.

They might not go when there is less than 2 outs.

Answer 6

If the runner is forced to run, like a runner on first, then the commentator would only say this if there were 2 out. Don't want to get caught half way to second on a line drive.

Answer 7

I guess there's two different situations. When there are two outs, the announces will remind listeners that the runners will be off, because it will affect how the play comes out. Remember, not everyone is a big, well-informed fan.

With less than two out, it's a managerial decision. The big risk is a strikeout, which can easily lead into a double play. If you have a slow runner on first and, say, Adam Dunn at the plate, then there's a big risk of a strikeout/caught stealing.

Answer 8

They might not go when there is a tight game, and/or the baserunners are too slow to advance (since you dont want to run into a double play). Runners also wont advance unless there is a force on them should the ball be hit.

As far as the commentators, this is what they are paid to do.

Answer 9

If there is 2 outs yes the runners need a jump because of the gound ball.

Answer 10

Every commentator thinks that the people he is talking to have never watched a baseball game in there life.