How to Excecute a Suicide Squeeze in Baseball

There may come a time during a baseball game when your team needs to make a run at any cost. A suicide squeeze can be dangerous but can also bring home a run. Timing and execution are key when attempting a suicide squeeze play. Here is how you can properly execute a suicide squeeze in baseball.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Only attempt the suicide squeeze when you have at least a moderately fast runner on third base and an above average bunter at the plate. Of course, it's also important to not attempt the suicide squeeze when there are two outs. It doesn't matter if the runner on third makes it home if the batter is thrown out at first, after all.

2. Take the first pitch without showing a bunt. Many pitchers may be reluctant to throw a strike on the first pitch when there is a runner in scoring position. Wait until after the first pitch before attempting the suicide squeeze.

3. Have the runner on third take a one to two step lead off from the bag so the pitcher will not be suspicious. Once the pitcher begins his windup or throwing motion to the plate, the runner on third should begin his sprint towards home. This way, he will make it home before any infielder or the pitcher can even field the ball.

4. Once the suicide squeeze is on, the batter should try to direct the ball towards either the first or third base side of the mound depending on whether the pitcher is left or right handed. During a suicide squeeze, the batter is not trying to safely make it to first. He simply wants to drive home the runner from third. If the pitcher is right handed, for example, the batter should try to bunt the ball towards the first base side of the hill. Chances are the pitcher will not have enough time to reach across his body, field the ball and throw it home before the runner from third scores.

5. If the batter fouls off the pitch, the suicide squeeze should be called off. Once it's been attempted, the element of surprise will be gone and the likelihood of the suicide squeeze being successful will be all but gone.

6. If the infield is playing more shallow than normal, keep the suicide squeeze play on. The batter should just attempt to bunt the ball more towards the pitcher. Since the runner on third will take off for home as soon as the pitch is delivered, he still should make it home before the pitcher can make a play.

Tips & Warnings

• Batters should practice bunting before any suicide squeeze is attempted. A botched or missed bunt can ruin the suicide squeeze and cost your team both a run and an out.
• A suicide squeeze shouldn't be attempted when the batting team is losing by a large amount of run. The play is labeled a “suicide” squeeze because the batter is sacrificing an out for a run. That isn't wise when the batting team needs more at bats.

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