Eliminate the Middle Man

Our program for years has always taught our left handed pitchers to read the runner. With a runner on first base our left handers decision to pitch or throw to first base is determined by what the runner does. Four things can occur when the lefty lifts his front leg.

1. The runner jabs back toward first base.

2. The runner fakes stealing second by jabbing toward second base.

3. The runner remains neutral with his initial leadoff.

4. The runner attempts to steal on first movement of the lifting leg.

In the past we have taught our lefties these responses. When the runner jabs toward second base we want our lefty to slow down the lifting of the front leg. If there is no steal attempt pitch to the hitter. Often the inexperienced lefties will throw to first base on the fake steal. We prefer that they didn't throw and waste a bullet. Make certain that the runner is actually stealing. With experience that will occur. When a runner remains neutral in his lead, we use our best pickoff move and go after that runner. With first movement steal attempts, we quickly get the ball to the first baseman who comes to meet the ball and clears the runner's path and throws to the shortstop for the assist.

Our pitchers are taught to lift their front leg to waist height and in so doing, also bring the head forward to maintain balance that is essential for reading the runner. The head is the key to maintaining balance. Our lefties are consistent with this approach whether pitching or picking. It is imperative that we retain this consistency.

Now, we have taken a new approach by not throwing to the first baseman on first movement steal attempts. We are now teaching or lefties to use an inside move and spin toward second base once they read the first move steal attempt. The front leg continues to lift waist high before spinning toward second base and throwing out the runner giving us time to ensure that the runner is attempting to steal and not faking. We have now eliminated the middle man. We are merely taking advantage of rule 8.05B or 6-2-4B. Both rules refer to “making a play on a moving runner”.

Provided that our pitchers have made no movement toward the plate and have not separated their hands prior to making a play on a moving runner, this is a legal play.

Our lefties were difficult enough to run against with our reading principles and philosophy. However, at times the first baseman's throw was late or off line or errant. By eliminating that extra throw, the middle man, it is virtually impossible to run against our lefties.

It has always amazed us as to why all lefties are not taught the reading approach. Too many coaches place a negative spin on the concept by expressing their belief that it takes too much away from the pitchers concentration on the hitter. Thus, the slide step has become the favored approach. Our pitchers strongly believe that reading gives them a defined edge in stopping the running game. Furthermore they have never complained about a loss of concentration on the hitter. It is all in how the philosophy of reading is presented and taught and implemented by the coach.

After further consideration, and much thought, we are now attempting to teach our right handers the same approach. The rule also applies to them. Albeit a more difficult task for them since their back is to the runner. We believe that with sufficient time, patience and practice it can be perfected.

Never having taught right handers this approach, it is totally uncharted waters that we are wading into. Our past teaching approach for right handers was to be quick to the plate. Our front leg lifted minimally off the ground. We wanted our pitchers to get the ball to the plate in 1.2 seconds or less. This enabled our catcher's ability to throw out runners.

With the right handers, we are using the spin technique only in definite running situations. An example is with a runner at first base with two outs and a full count on the hitter. Our philosophy now is 360 degrees contrary to anything that we have taught prior. Quickness to the plate is of no importance in an absolute running situation.

The key element is the balance point. The head controls the balance and must move forward as the leg lifts to properly execute the spin move. If the head is allowed to move backwards, balance will be lost and the spin move will not be fluid.

We are also instructing our righties to look over their back shoulder to detect movement by the runner toward second base. Once again, initially, this is unorthodox. However, with practice it will become more natural.

We are willing and will not stop our pursuit to perfect this revolutionary approach to stopping an opponent's running game. We also fully realize that all right hander will not be capable of executing this approach. Those who are unable to adapt to the spin move will return to the original philosophy of being quick to the plate. We already have a few who have comfortably adapted and are confident in the spin technique. Therefore it is still our belief that there is far more to gain than lose by staying the course. We feel that we are on the cusp of revolutionizing the stoppage of an opponent's total running game.

Coach Marty Berson is currently the lower level coordinator at El Dorado High School in Placentia, Ca. This is his 53rd year of coaching. He has previously been a varsity coach on every level including the independent pro level. The bulk of his career {26 years}was spent at Santa Monica College