Baserunning: Reading Ground Balls from Second Base

GetaLookSports.com

Have you ever seen a lone runner on second base get thrown out trying to advance to third on a ground ball?

It’s ugly baseball to say the least.

Every time I think I’m through seeing this baserunning blunder; I flip on ESPN only to see another professional athlete running his team out of an inning.

You need not be a professional athlete, though, to avoid this type of baserunning mistake for your team.

Avoiding this baserunning error involves making a simple read and reacting as a runner on second base. Unlike the dirt-ball read, this read involves less anticipation of an outcome.

As you’re getting your secondary lead off of second, when the batter hits a ground ball you instantly have a choice to make…stay put at second or break for third.

The choice you make should never be based on what you “thought” you could do.

It should be based, rather, on where the ball is hit.

Here’s an easy way to remember this read and how you should react:

• If the ball is hit to the right of your belt buckle…Stay put at second. Watch to see if the ball gets through the infield.
• If the ball is hit to the left of your buckle…Break for third immediately.

If read correctly, there’s little to no chance the fielder will be able to throw you out at third when you break immediately on a ground ball to the left of your buckle.

Since it would mean an off-balance throw, there most likely won’t even be an attempt.

Remember this read to avoid running your team out of a big inning.

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