by David Ross
(Palo Alto CA)

Suicide and safety squeezes are almost identical plays, differing only in the point at which the runner leaves third base. In both cases the batter must bunt successfully. My question is given the choice of the two at a given moment in a game, what factors are addressed in making the choice?

Thanks for any response.

OUR COACH’S ANSWER

Thanks for the question!

Well, the suicide squeeze and safety squeeze plays are two different plays in baseball.

What is a Suicide Squeeze?

During a suicide squeeze, the runner at 3rd base takes off about the same time the pitcher is releasing the baseball. The batter MUST get the bunt down (or at least make contact)! If he doesn’t make contact, the runner will easily be tagged out by the catcher. If he gets the bunt down on the infield grass, there is virtually no way the defense can get the runner out at the plate. It is called a suicide squeeze because you are betting the run at 3rd that the hitter will get the bunt down.

How To Execute a Suicide Squeeze

DO’s:

Teach the batter to get a good read on the pitcher and to be ready to bunt at any time.
Make sure the runner is aware of the sign for the suicide squeeze and understands their role in the play.
Practice the play frequently in practice, with runners starting from different bases and in different scenarios.
Encourage the runner to take a secondary lead, so they can take off as soon as the bunt is laid down.
Make sure the runner is sliding into the plate with their hand up, so they can touch the plate if necessary.
Make sure the batter is aware of the location of the catcher, so they can adjust the bunt if necessary.
Make sure the runner knows to slide hard into the plate in case of a wild pitch or passed ball.
Make sure the runner is aware of any possible pickoff attempts by the pitcher or catcher.
Encourage the batter to use a two-strike approach, so they can get the bunt down even if they’re behind in the count.
Emphasize the importance of communication between the runner, batter, and third-base coach, so everyone is on the same page.

DON’Ts:

Don’t attempt the suicide squeeze with inexperienced players who are not comfortable with bunting.
Don’t call for the suicide squeeze in a situation where the runner is likely to be out.
Don’t let the runner take off too early, as this can result in a double play.
Don’t let the batter bunt too early, as this can result in a foul ball.
Don’t let the runner slide too early, as this can result in an out at the plate.
Don’t let the batter bunt too hard, as this can result in a pop-up that is easily caught.
Don’t let the runner try to score if the bunt is not laid down properly.
Don’t let the runner try to score if the pitcher is holding the ball or has already started their delivery.
Don’t let the runner try to score if the catcher has the ball in their possession.
Don’t let the runner try to score if the ball is hit too hard and is going to be caught by an infielder.

What is a Safety Squeeze?

During a safety squeeze, the runner at third base does not break for home plate until the bunt is down. If the bunt does not get put down, the runner is still safe at 3rd base, hence the name safety squeeze.

For any squeeze situation, there must be less than two outs, otherwise, the defense could easily field the bunt and throw the runner out at first base with the run not scoring. Typically, you will only use the squeeze when the game is close and the runner at 3rd base is the tying run, go-ahead run or possibly an insurance run.

I would use a safety squeeze if the batter isn’t a great bunter. That way, if he doesn’t get the bunt down, you still have the runner in scoring position. The suicide squeeze is if you are confident the batter will get the bunt down on any pitch.

How To Execute a Safety Squeeze

DO’s:

Teach the batter to get a good read on the pitcher and to be ready to bunt at any time.
Make sure the runner is aware of the sign for the safety squeeze and understands their role in the play.
Practice the play frequently in practice, with runners starting from different bases and in different scenarios.
Encourage the runner to take a secondary lead, so they can take off as soon as the bunt is laid down.
Make sure the runner knows to slide hard into the plate in case of a wild pitch or passed ball.
Make sure the batter is aware of the location of the catcher, so they can adjust the bunt if necessary.
Make sure the runner is aware of any possible pickoff attempts by the pitcher or catcher.
Encourage the batter to use a two-strike approach, so they can get the bunt down even if they’re behind in the count.
Emphasize the importance of communication between the runner, batter, and third-base coach, so everyone is on the same page.
Make sure the runner is aware that they do not to the next base if the bunt is not successful, and they should stay at their current base.

DON’Ts:

Don’t attempt the safety squeeze with inexperienced players who are not comfortable with bunting.
Don’t call for the safety squeeze in a situation where the runner is likely to be out.
Don’t let the runner take off too early, as this can result in a double play.
Don’t let the batter bunt too early, as this can result in a foul ball.
Don’t let the runner try to score if the bunt is not laid down properly.
Don’t let the runner try to score if the pitcher is holding the ball or has already started their delivery.
Don’t let the runner try to score if the catcher has the ball in their possession.
Don’t let the runner try to score if the ball is hit too hard and is going to be caught by an infielder.
Don’t let the runner try to advance to the next base if the bunt is not successful.
Don’t let the runner try to advance to the next base if the ball is caught by an infielder.

How to Defend a Squeeze Pay

Tips on Defending Against a Squeeze Play

Be aware of the possibility of a squeeze play, especially with a runner on third base and less than two outs.
Communicate with each other and be aware of the situation and the count.
Hold the runner on third base to prevent them from getting a big lead.
Be prepared for a wild pitch or passed ball, and be ready to cover the plate.
Make sure the pitcher is aware of the situation and is ready to field the bunt.
Position the infielders to be able to quickly get to the plate in case of a squeeze.
Make sure the catcher is aware of the situation and is ready to receive the bunt.
Position the outfielders to be able to quickly get to the plate in case of a squeeze.
Be ready to make a quick and accurate throw to the plate in case of a squeeze.
Be ready to make a quick and accurate throw to first base in case the bunt is not successful.
Make sure the pitcher is ready to throw to first base in case of a failed bunt.
Be ready to cover first base in case of a failed bunt.Be aware of the runner’s speed and make adjustments accordingly.
Make sure everyone is aware of the location of the batter and adjust positioning accordingly.
Be prepared to make a quick and accurate throw to an adjacent base in case of a failed bunt.
Be ready to make a quick and accurate throw to home plate in case of a failed squeeze attempt.
Make sure everyone is aware of the location of the runner and adjust positioning accordingly.
Be prepared for a potential play at the plate, and be ready to make a quick and accurate tag.
Be aware of the count and adjust your defense accordingly.
Stay alert and focused throughout the entire play, as a squeeze play can happen at any time.

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