Glossary
Hit and run
A hit and run is a play in which the runner on first breaks for second as the pitch is thrown and the batter tries to hit the ball, ideally on the ground to the open side of the infield.
On a hit and run, the runner goes with the pitch and the batter's job changes: swing at almost anything near the plate and put the ball in play, preferably on the ground. The runner is already moving, so a ground ball through the hole left by the middle infielder covering second can turn a single into first and third.
It is different from a straight steal because the batter protects the runner. If the batter makes contact, the catcher cannot throw to second freely, and a ground ball keeps the double play off. If the batter misses, the runner is on his or her own, so the play suits a contact hitter who rarely strikes out.
The sign goes to the batter and the runner on first. Most teams send it from the third base coach, or put it on the wristband so the batter reads it before stepping in and the runner picks it up from the coach.
When to call it
- A runner on first with fewer than two outs and a contact hitter at the plate.
- A count where the pitcher has to throw a strike, such as 2-1 or 0-0.
- A double play is a danger and the middle infield is playing at double-play depth.
Put it on a card: Baseball and softball signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a hit and run and a run and hit?
On a hit and run the batter swings at the pitch no matter what, to protect the runner. On a run and hit the runner steals and the batter swings only if the pitch is a good one.
When should a coach not call a hit and run?
Avoid it with a batter who strikes out often, with two strikes when a strikeout and a throw could be a double play, when the pitcher seems likely to walk the batter (e.g. 3-0 or 2-0)or against a pitcher who throws mostly offspeed pitches out of the zone.
More in the glossary
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