Swingin' Rays Volume 1

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Situational Talk A look into the differences between a Hit & Run and Run & Hit Although both hit & runs and run & hits send the runner in motion, they are different in the rules and responsibilities of the runner and the hitter. Hit & Run A hit & run typically is used to get a runner that maybe not have the ability to straight steal a base in motion. Trying to get them in motion serves as a way to stay out of a double play or to try to get that runner to third base if executed properly. This usually requires a hitter at the plate with good bat control and a count that is expected to produce a fastball from the pitcher as fastballs are less likely to yield a swing and miss. Good counts for hit & runs are usually 1-0, 2-0 and 2-1. An 0-0 count is often difficult to call a hit & run as 0-0 is a good count to pitch out for the pitcher and catcher. Runners responsibility on a Hit & Run The on thing a runner must make sure of on a hit & run is that they do not get picked off. The runner is not trying to get a jump where they can straight steal, they are just trying to make sure the pitcher goes to the plate before they start in motion. They are relying on the hitter to protect them and cover up with a swing. This is why runners are usually thrown out by quite a bit at second if the hitter swings and misses or takes the pitch. After the runner takes off, he must take a peek back at the plate to see where the ball is whether it is hit on the ground, in the air or swung through. If the ball is hit on the ground, the runner must make the decision of whether they can make it to third base or not. The general rule of thumb is that if the runner gets to second base before the outfielder has the ball, it typically is a good decision to make it to third base, unless that ball is hit to the left fielder. The key to making this happen is to not slow down when taking that peek back towards the plate. If the ball is hit in the air, the runner doesn't automatically have to get back to first base. The runner must see where the ball is and make the decision. If the ball is hit in the infield they should head back to the base. If the ball is hit in the outfield, they must judge where the outfielder is going to catch the ball. I say that the runner should keep getting off the base as long as they see the outfielders back numbers. Once they start to camp, then the can start retreating towards first base. The runner doesn't want to be going back towards first base in case the outfielder where to not be able to make a play and the ball gets behind them. One tricky decision is if the ball is hit on a line. I tell runners to keep going just in case the ball where to get through the infield as they would have a chance to make it to third. If the ball is caught on a line drive, it is unlikely they would make it back to first base before being doubled up. Hitter responsibility on a Hit & Run The hitter on a hit & run should be one with good bat control, being that a swing and miss will cause the runner to be thrown out at second base and a ball hit in the air will usually result in a double play. I have three rules for my hitters on a hit & run and three levels of importance. First rule is that the hitter must swing. Even if the ball is out of the zone, the hitter must swing. If the hitter swings and misses, there is still a chance that the swing allows for the catcher to stay down
in the crouch a bit longer to at least give the runner a chance a steal second. The second rule, with a little less importance, is that they hit the ball on the ground. This ensures that there is less likely a double play and that the runner has a chance to make it to third with a ball through the infield. The third rule is that they hit the ball to the opposite side on the ground. This is because with a right hander at the plate, the second baseman will vacate his spot to cover second base on a throw down and a left hander at the plate, the shortstop will cover the bag leaving a big hole to hit through, ensuring the ball makes it to the outfield. Run & Hit A run & hit is different in the fact that the runner at first has the ability to steal the base straight up and the hitter has the option to swing the bat or not. The hitter doesn't have to be as controlled with the bat as he would be in a hit and run scenario. A primary count to use the run & hit is 3-1 as the pitcher is for sure trying to throw a strike with typically a fastball. Also, if the hitter takes a ball, the runner will make it to second on a walk. Run & hits can also be used in 2-1 and 2-0 counts depending on the right personnel on first and at the plate. Runners responsibility on a Run & Hit With a run & hit, the runner at first is trying to steal second base. He can try to get a good jump where he can steal the bag even if the hitter takes or swing through the ball. Once the runner takes off, however, he must still take a look back at the plate to pick up the ball whether it is hit, taken or swung through. If the ball is hit, he must decide whether to try for third or even home if the ball is hit in the gap, or head back to the base if the ball is hit in the air on the infield or if the outfielder can camp on the ball. Hitters responsibility on a Run & Hit The difference for the hitter on a run & hit, is that there is an option to swing the bat or not. I like to use the run and hit on a 3-1 count and tell the hitter to swing at a strike. The difference is that they have to option to take a ball on the play as to not take the bat completely out of their hand. If they take a ball, they walk. I usually tell the hitter to try to hit a double to try to score the run with the runner in motion. That way they hunt a pitch to hit and put a good swing on it without focusing too much on just getting the ball in play. If they swing through the ball, the runner is trying to steal the bag anyway. Since they are swinging at a strike, make sure the hitter is gearing up for a fastball in an almost certain fastball count. Don't be late or swing defensively on the run & hit. The key to running a successful hit & run or run & hit is making sure players are understanding of their responsibilities on first base and at the plate. Also as a coach, understanding your personnel at first and at the plate to ensure to give your team the best chance for success with each play.
Page 1 and 2: News & Notes Inside
Page 3 and 4: News & Notes Program information an
Page 5 and 6: Recruiting Corner Checking in with
Page 7 and 8: Kendall’s Year-by-Year Statistics
Page 9: Player Improvement Ohio University

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Swingin' Rays Volume 1