Get to 2B with 2 outs;Get to 3B with 1 out

This heading is as basic as offensive game planning can be; yet no one seems to teach it.

It should be the fundamental rule that governs base runners and their coaches decision making processes.

The idea is pretty simple. When an opportunity presents itself to get into scoring position with 2 outs try to do it. If you fail it was worth the risk. So whether you are already at 1B an you want to attempt a straight steal with 2 outs? a delayed steal? a rhythm steal? It is the time and place to do so. If you are hitting with 2 outs and nobody on base, it is the time to think DOUBLE. We would like to be in scoring position when the next hit comes.

Now, some things can mitigate this decision. If you have a bog bat coming up behind you you may want to stay at 1B to give him a chance to drive at least someone in rather than leading off the next inning.

What about get to 3B with 1 out? The idea here is we can score on something other than a hit. Well, you can do that with 0 outs too you might say. Yes, but with 0 outs it doesn't justify the risk. There are a lot more opportunities ahead of us- at least we hope. Getting to 3B with 1 out allows us to score on ground ball putouts, sac flys and might even make the defense adjust by moving their infield in.

This thinking is prevalent among all good offensive baseball teams. It shows up in professional baseball, college baseball and high school baseball. It simply is sound fundamental baseball.