Base Stealing

[fisher01hunt]

Just wondering what counts do you all usually run on? In high school, i went whenever coach gave me the sign but now in college and men's leagues I find myself in many instances when i'm on my own and was seeking good counts to steal on?

Also what kind of leads to most take? I was always taught two full steps and one half step.

[Williamsburg2599]

Just wondering what counts do you all usually run on? In high school, i went whenever coach gave me the sign but now in college and men's leagues I find myself in many instances when i'm on my own and was seeking good counts to steal on?

Also what kind of leads to most take? I was always taught two full steps and one half step.
The count doesn't matter much IMO, although stealing on a pitch that isin't likely to be a fastball is always helpful. The lead completly depends on your ability and speed, although 2 1/2 to 3 steps seems like a good length for the average player.

[CanadianKid]

the count should matter. If say its a 0-2 pitch chances are the pitcher will throw a breaking ball in the dirt, so you as a runner will have a greater chance to be safe. I'd say good counts are when the pitcher can waste a pitch(0-2, 1-2 etc)

[Williamsburg2599]

the count should matter. If say its a 0-2 pitch chances are the pitcher will throw a breaking ball in the dirt, so you as a runner will have a greater chance to be safe. I'd say good counts are when the pitcher can waste a pitch(0-2, 1-2 etc)
But an 0-2 pitch also gives them a chance for a strike-em out throw-em out DP.

[BallCoach06]

the count should matter. If say its a 0-2 pitch chances are the pitcher will throw a breaking ball in the dirt, so you as a runner will have a greater chance to be safe. I'd say good counts are when the pitcher can waste a pitch(0-2, 1-2 etc)

I agree the count does matter. 0-2 and 1-2 are good pitches to run on, but also good pitch counts to pitch out on as well. Baseball is a thinking man's game, so it is always a cat and mouse game, and if you're playing a coach that knows you like to run, I would expect a pitchout on those counts.

I have found 0-1 to be one of the best pitches to run on. We usually have quite a bit of speed and we like to put pressure on the defense by stealing, bunting and fake bunt/steal (U. of Texas baseball). So, we will run on 0-1 and hope we get a curve ball in the dirt (or simply a ball). We then hopefully will have a runner at second and a 1-1 count and then can execute our offense with a bunt, fake/bunt steal, or driving the guy in with the middle of the lineup.

The best thing to do is make sure you are checking your charts on the opposing pitcher. Keep an eye on what pitch they like to throw in certain counts. Humans are creatures of habit, so if he has been consistantly throwing off-speed on 0-1, he will probably do it again.

[Utility07]

But an 0-2 pitch also gives them a chance for a strike-em out throw-em out DP.

This matters why?

[Williamsburg2599]

This matters why?
Besides an outfield/play at the plate DP, it's probabily the most momentium sucking DP there is, and at most levels of ball momentum is key. A horrible way to end an inning, IMO.

[XFactor]

It doesn't! How can you gain something, (2nd, 3rd base) without taking chances!