What’s His Time?
What’s My Point? In order to steal a base in the big leagues, an average runner must be able to run from the lead off position at first base and hit the bag at second base in 3.4 seconds or better. Why Does it Matter? If a base runner is slower than 3.4 seconds, he will be thrown out at second base by a big league catcher. Runner is Thinking: 1. What kind of leg kick does the pitcher have? (Does he lift his leg straight up or does he slide step?) 2. How much time does it take from the moment that the pitcher begins his motion to the instant that the ball hits the catcher’s glove? 3. How strong is the catcher’s arm? Can he throw a ball down to second base in (the average) 2 seconds or less? 4. Can the runner see the catcher’s signs from his lead off position? (If he can see that the catcher gives an off speed sign, usually requiring 2,3,4, or 5 fingers, then he knows that the pitch will be slower than 1.4 seconds.) Needs for an Average Runner to Steal Second 1. The pitcher has to be 1.4 seconds or slower from the time he starts his motion, to the moment that the ball hits the catcher’s glove. 2. The catcher has to take longer than 2 seconds from the time the ball hits his glove to the time the ball hits the middle infielder’s glove. 3. The runner must be able to time his take-off almost immediately following the first move made by the pitcher. Why Does the First Base Coach Have a Stopwatch? Have you ever noticed that the first base coach is always holding a stopwatch when there is a runner on first base? He is measuring the amount of time it takes from the instant the pitcher
