Glossary
Fake bunt and steal
A fake bunt and steal is a play in which the batter shows bunt and then pulls the bat back without swinging while a runner steals, to draw the infield in and slow the catcher's throw.
The runner goes on the pitch, as on a straight steal. The batter squares to bunt and then pulls the bat back and takes the pitch. The fake does two things: it brings the third baseman in, which leaves third base harder to cover on a steal of third, and it makes the catcher wait an instant to be sure the ball is not being bunted before coming up to throw.
The batter must not swing or get in the catcher's way. Pulling the bat back is legal; stepping across the plate or moving into the throw is interference, and the runner is out. Teach the batter to fake and then stay in the box.
It is a separate call from the steal because the batter's job is different, so on the wristband it is its own cell, Fake Bunt + Steal. The runner and batter both read it before the pitch.
When to call it
- A runner on second stealing third, with a third baseman who charges on every bunt look.
- A runner on first and a catcher who is slow to come up out of the crouch.
- A batter who has already bunted in the game, so the fake is believed.
Put it on a card: Baseball and softball signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it interference if the batter fakes a bunt on a steal?
Not by itself. Showing bunt and pulling the bat back is allowed. It becomes interference when the batter moves out of the box or into the catcher's way as the catcher tries to throw.
Why fake a bunt on a steal of third?
The fake draws the third baseman in toward the plate, so they have farther to go to get back and take the throw at third.
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