How to Suicide Squeeze Bunt

It's late in the game and the score is tied. Your team has put a runner on third with one out. You've struggled to get a hit today with a ground out and two pop ups in your first three at bats. Your manager wants that run in because your pitcher is on fire and there's just one more inning to go. If you can bring this run in, a win is almost guaranteed. The manager calls for the suicide squeeze bunt.

Instructions

1. You have acknowledged the signal from your third base coach and the runner on third also knows that the suicide squeeze is on. Your responsibility is to put the next pitch into play in fair territory and make sure that the ball hits the ground. No pop ups allowed. You also can't give away the squeeze play by squaring around too early.

2. Take your normal stance at the plate. As the pitcher winds up to pitch, the runner at third takes off for home. You do not change your stance until the final instant before the pitcher lets go of the ball. At that instant, you turn around and face the pitcher by moving your back foot up in the box until it's almost even with your front foot.

3. Bring the bat up to about the level of your chin. If the pitch is in in the strike zone, you will immediately lower the bat and try to bunt the top half of the ball with the lower part of the bat. However, if the pitcher has figured out that your team is running the suicide squeeze, he will attempt to ruin that strategy by throwing the ball up and in--and dangerously close to your head. The idea may make you nervous, but it is still your responsibility to get the bat on the ball. The runner is steaming for home. If you miss the ball and the catcher receives it cleanly, the runner will almost certainly be out. However, if you can get your bat on it and lay the ball on the ground in fair territory the runner will score.

4. Start with the bat up high because it is easier and more efficient to lower the bat and make an effective bunt than to start with it low and raise it into the strike zone. Bringing the bat up in the strike zone will almost certainly result in a pop up in any bunt situation

5. Never freelance once the suicide squeeze bunt is called. Your manager understands how difficult the play may be to execute if the pitch is coming up and in. You may have to protect yourself by leaving the batter's box, but keep your eye on the ball and attempt to bunt it and put it in play.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice bunting every day in batting practice. Whether you are a dominant power hitter or a batter who struggles to get his bat on the ball, you can help your team win when you can lay down a suicide squeeze bunt.

• Bunting is a unique job in the batter's box. The mentality the hitter should bring with him is that he is trying to catch the ball with the bat. If he can do that and lay the bat softly on the ball he should be successful bunter.

• The opposing pitcher is taught to throw his best fastball at the head of the batter if he realizes that the suicide squeeze play is on. It is therefore quite dangerous and you need to protect yourself with the bat getting a piece of the pitch as it comes at you.