Holding Base Runners on to Prevent Stolen Bases

"Pitchers prevent 60% of stolen bases, where catchers prevent 40%." - Coach Kyle Nelson (Burlington Central High School Head Coach)

Preventing the stolen base is one of the most important jobs of a defense. Giving the opponent an extra 90 feet or more, can swing the momentum of a game dramatically. In this post, I will go over the role of the pitcher, catcher, infielder and outfielder to prevent a stolen base. 

1st Base

One of the easiest places to steal a base is at first. It is much easier to steal from first to second, than from second to third base. With this in mind it is important to have this area covered. The first baseman must be prepared to be vocal when a base runner is getting too large of a lead, or when the runner is stealing. The first baseman needs to say, "step off" or "going" when the runner is getting too large of a lead or stealing. The right fielder needs to be prepared for any pickoff throws from either the pitcher or catcher. The right fielder will need to pay attention to this and run at an angle towards the throw that is deep enough to cover the right field foul line. The catcher has the best view of the runner leading off and needs to be communicating by signs to the pitcher when to throw over. If the base runner is getting too large of a secondary lead, the catcher needs to be willing enough to throw to first base in order to get the base runner out. Lastly there is the pitcher's role. The pitcher needs to vary his timing for pickoffs, his looks, and be quick to the plate to prevent the stolen base. In regards to timing the pitcher needs to go by either counting 1-Mississippi, 2-Mississippi, 3-Mississippi, 4-Mississippi or go by saying U-C-L-A. The time the pitcher needs to be to the plate is between 1.2 and 1.3 seconds. Any time greater than that will allow base stealers enough time to get the next base. For the catcher, he needs to have a pop time of 2.0 at the latest to prevent the stolen base.

2nd Base

As I wrote earlier, it is more difficult to steal third base than second. The reason is because the throw from the catcher is closer to third than second base. The crucial group at second base when holding the runner on are the middle infielders. The middle infield needs to know who is calling and catching the pickoff throw. Regardless, both middle infielders need to vary their steps and movements so that there is no pattern. A good base runner will catch onto a pattern on the middle infielders, the pitcher, and the catcher. They will take that advantage and steal a base. The middle infielders need to have times when they are crashing with one step, two steps, or three steps. The pitcher needs to continue to vary his looks, times to the plate, and timing for pickoff throws. The catcher once again needs to watch for the large primary and secondary lead of the base runner. The center fielder needs to pay attention to any pickoff throw so that he will be ready to field an errant throw. 

3rd Base

At third base the pitcher has options. With less than two outs I prefer to have the pitcher in the stretch. This prevents a large secondary lead by the runner at third just in case he wants to steal home, or a pitch gets passed the catcher and he can go home. With two outs, the pitcher can go in the windup if his windup delivery is quick.The pitcher once again needs to vary his looks, times to the plate, and be quick to the plate. The third baseman needs to be close to the base, but not too close where he can't field his position. The closer the third baseman is to the runner, the less of a large lead the runner will get unless the pitcher is in the windup. The left fielder must pay attention to any pickoff throws by the pitcher or catcher so that he can prevent a catastrophic mess from happening. Just like the right fielder at first, he will get a wide angle and go directly towards the left field foul line. The catcher will once again watch the base runner to make sure that he is not getting too large of a lead at third. 

Another tip on pickoffs by the pitcher, have him wait until the third or fourth second or the L-A in UCLA. More than likely the batter is about to call time and the base runner is zoning out because he is expecting the batter to call time. If he doesn't, then that is a good time to pickoff. There is a lot to factor in on holding runners on, but practiced regularly and clearly understood the defense can prevent the extra base.