High Percentage Baserunning by Stu Southworth

Chapter Breakdown

Chapter 1: The Components of Base Stealing

Pages 1-10

Presents some revealing statistics on the game in general and on the running game in particular. Eight common myths about baserunning are described and debunked. The chapter concludes with a general list of consequences of running plays, plus a short section on baserunning equipment.

Chapter 2: The 28 Baserunning Plays

Pages 11-75

Continues the historical survey and presents a full breakdown of all the individual and team running plays attempted since 1860. Each play is described, analyzed, and timed to the one-tenth of a second. Recorded times of the runner and of the ball are compared. Stealing and/or scoring opportunities are pointed out in various playing situations, including steals before and after the pitcher's delivery, the hit-and-run play, the fake-steal play, and all the bunting and fake bunting plays. A final section on defensive maneuvers includes a discussion of the intentional walk and instructions to catchers.

Chapter 3: The Official Rules of Running

Pages 77-99

A theoretical approach to baserunning, citing every rule from Section 7.0, "Running," from Official Baseball Rules. Each rule is followed by a simplified interpretation accessible to players of all ages and levels. After each explanation, two aids for learning and remembering the rule are given. The "Helpful Tips" sections explain how to gain the greatest advantage from each rule and how to avoid specific pitfalls. The drills section of Chapter 3 will be of prime importance to coaches at all levels of the game. Players make many mistakes game after game for the simple reason that they do not know the rules. Such blunders can be virtually eliminated by practice drills. The chapter concludes with the rules on the pitcher's balk and the infield fly.

Chapter 4: A Grand Tour of the Bases

Pages 101-120

Begins with a guided tour around the bases in order to illustrate every play that could occur at each base. Runners are informed of any circumstance, standard or unorthodox, they might encounter. Dos and don'ts at each point, the use of base coaches, and official rules are emphasized. Six strategies for scoring the first run of a game - an important trick - are also explained.

Chapter 5: Steal Mechanics

Pages 121-136

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Provides insight into the various types of steals and the skills required to steal any one of the bases. Pitchers' and catchers' traits are studies carefully. The chapter also shows proper running form and body mechanics, explaining how to take turns around bases, lead off, hold up, slide, and run on an overthrown ball. The runner learns that running one of the bases is not the same as running either of the other two - different rules and techniques apply to each of the three bases.

Chapter 6: The Hit Ball: What Runners Should Do

Pages 137-175

Looks at the 36 types of balls that can be hit by the batter. Each of these is titled, analyzed, and charted according to what the runner should do in the case of no outs, one out, or two outs.

Chapter 7: Baserunning Signs

Pages 177-184

Provides a discussion of baseball's most sacred and mysterious ritual: coaching signs - signals to the runner and/or the batter. Various theories of sign-giving are included, along with discussions by coaches ranging from those who give fewer than six signs to those who employ every running play in the game. Two methods of relaying signals are presented. The author reveals his long-kept secrets of sign-giving. Signs for each of the 28 plays are titled, defined, and illustrated.