When to use the pitchout on the squeeze?

First things first- if a team doesn't have a way of communicating the pitchout they are poorly prepared. Quite frankly it is an absolute necessity in order to stop various plays. The most important of which is the suicide squeeze.

When to call a pitchout is a skillful art employed by managers? There are of course some insights into when is a good time to call a pitchout with the squeeze a possibility. Usually the bases are not loaded. When the bases are loaded it becomes a force at home plate. Not a great time to squeeze. With a runner at 3rd that is not forced the squeeze becomes a possibility (of course, less than 2 outs). I believe most managers choose to squeeze with 1 out rather than 0 outs. The thinking is mostly that you could be running out of chances and you want to capitalize before the opportunity fades. Some managers prefer to squeeze against a lefthander on the mound because he doesn't observe the runner breaking as quickly. The last and possibly most important aspect is the ability of the hitter. Managers certainly try and force the issue with weak hitting players.

In review, the pitchout is the true defense mechanism against the suicide squeeze. Short of stealing the signs of the opposing team, knowing when it might be a possibility is an essential to better game coaching.