Glossary
Sacrifice bunt
A sacrifice bunt is a bunt the batter puts down on purpose, giving up their own chance to reach base so that a runner can move up a base.
The batter squares early, gets the bat out in front of the plate and deadens the ball on the ground, away from the pitcher. Nobody expects the batter to beat it out. The fielder takes the sure out at first and the runner gets to second (or third) safely, where a single can score them.
Where the bunt goes depends on the runners. With a runner on first, most coaches want the ball pushed toward first base, where the first baseman has to hold the runner and is late charging. With runners on first and second, the target is the third base side, so the third baseman has to leave the bag to field it and has nobody to throw to at third. That is why the play library has two calls, Bunt to 1st and Bunt to 3rd.
The runners wait to see the ball on the ground before they go, which is the difference from a bunt and run. The batter gets the sign from the third base coach or from the wristband, and should know before the pitch which side the bunt goes to. If the pitch is a ball, the batter pulls the bat back and takes it.
When to call it
- A runner on first, no outs, late in a game that is tied or within a run.
- Runners on first and second with no outs, bunting toward third.
- A weak hitter at the plate with stronger hitters coming up behind them.
Put it on a card: Baseball and softball signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a sacrifice bunt count as an at-bat?
No. A successful sacrifice is not charged as a time at bat, so it does not lower the batter's batting average. It still counts as a plate appearance.
What is the difference between a sacrifice bunt and a bunt for a hit?
On a sacrifice the batter gives up the out to move a runner, and squares early. A batter bunting for a hit shows bunt as late as they can and tries to beat the throw.
More in the glossary
Start free. Upgrade when your season needs it.
The free plan includes one team and one of each document type, with no license fee and no credit card. Paid plans start at $2.50 a month billed annually, cancel anytime.
No credit card required. Free plan available.