When in a pitch count is it best to try and steal a base?

Question

Is when the batter is ahead in the count or behind? Or doesn't it make a big difference?

Answer 1

They're were some good answers but not completely right!

First of all, you have to take into consideration many things. Outs, Inning, cather, pitcher, baserunner, lead, and then count. Without this knowledge your answer can vary. Generally, early in the count the better.

As a former DIV I athlete and minor league player, the level of play will dictate if you can steal a base. You play at a higher level they're some good catchers and the pitchers are taught how to reduce stole bases. You must know how to steal bases and this is what you need to look for!

Here is the ideal conditions for anyone with decent speed to steal second base. Since their are more right hand pitchers let's say their is a right hand pitcher. The catcher as a decent arm and you have decent speed. There is no outs, second inning with a right hand batter at the plate.

First of all, you need a lead. I teach 12 feet is a normal lead. That is a step and a dive and you should get back to the base easily enough. But 12 foot lead, nothing less. You want to focus on pitchers front foot. Once he picks up the heal you can run. You want to get his timing down. I teach my pitchers to pratice varying your holds. But most younger pitchers will have the same hold and then go to the plate, you want to see what that pitchers pattern is. That's why early in the game--your first baserunner is trying to see his move first, then see is holds. Your the first baserunner in the first inning--get a 13 foot lead and draw a throw. As a coach, I look at his holds and try to get the pattern. Once you have that information it is simple. You are stealing second on the pitcher and not the catcher. 12 foot lead at least, watch front foot, then stay low on break and you should sucessfully steal the base.

In general, earlier in the count the better. But as a coach you have to take into a count the pitchers--holds, move, leg kick, baserunner's ability. Early in the count and this is why! Most pitchers at younger levels don't know how to pitch. you get your lead and the pitcher throws a first pitch fastball for a strike--what do you think is coming next? That's right a curveball,slider or change! Rarely do pitchers double up and younger levels because they are afraid to throw their fastball is that gives you excellent chance to steal the base on the off-speed--all most tripling your chances. If your smart you take all those factors into a count and you whould be a stealing machine.

I agree guys like Jose Reyes and Ichiro are rare and they have the ability to steal at any time. For the rest, use your brain and that base will still be yours!!!!!

Baserunning 101---My team stole 120 bases out of 126 times in 33 games last year. Out goal this year is 150 for 150!

Answer 2

Normally you will want to try to steal a base early in the count. That way the batter has a better opportunity to move you over, drive you in, or at the very least avoid the double play.

If the count gets deeper, then you would like to steal when the batter is ahead in the count. A pitcher is much less likely to pitch-out when he is behind. 2 balls and 1 strike is considered a good count to steal on, because the pitcher does not want to fall 3-1.

Answer 3

The more a batter is ahead in the count, the better it is for a runner to try to steal. Steal percentages rise based on the advantage of the count on the batter. Therefore if a batter is ahead 2-0 it is much better for the runner to try to steal than if the count is 1-2 or even at 1-1. The pitcher must concentrate more on throwing a strike than paying attention to the runner.

Answer 4

If I was a baserunner I would run on a 2-0 pitch because of the likelihood that they will not pitch out and they do not want to set to 3-0 on the batter. You might also what to think about who the batter is and by stealing are you taking the bat out of his hand especially with the advantageous count and he might be a power hitter. The 2-0 pitch to me is still the pitch percentage wise to go on. The second pitch might be the first one depending on the batter and the speed of the runner.

Answer 5

I disagree with all of you. It really depends on the situation.. but 2 strike counts are usually pretty good counts to steal on. Especially 2-2 counts. You are hoping for a breaking pitch or an off spead pitch to go on. Hopefully something down out of the strike zone so it is harder for the catcher to handle. Also, being 2-2 you probably wont see a pitch count.

Also, sometimes you will go on 2 strikes with 2 outs if your hitter is a good one. That way if you get thrown out the hitter gets to start with a fresh AB the next inning.

Hit and Runs are all together different. You want the hitter to be way ahead in the count.

Answer 6

2-1

Answer 7

when batter is ahead 2-0 or 2-1 cuz pitcher won't pitch out

Answer 8

Well i steal bases all the time and it when ever the pitcher looks like he is in the zone so pretty much you can run anytime.

Answer 9

When a pither is behind it will be harder because the pitcher is going to try to throw a strike wich will make for an easier throw to get the runner...Steal early...Unless Your Jose Reyes steal anytime....JOSE

Answer 10

3-2,2-2,1-2.