Table of Contents
In baseball, a squeeze play is one of the most exciting and strategic offensive maneuvers, designed to score a runner from third base with a well-timed bunt. There are two main types: the safety squeeze and the suicide squeeze. Today, we focus on the safety squeeze.
1️⃣ The Basics of a Safety Squeeze
A safety squeeze occurs when the batter attempts a bunt while the runner on third waits to see if contact is made before breaking for home plate. It is considered “safe” because the runner does not commit to running until the ball is bunted, minimizing the risk of being thrown out at home.
Goal: Score a run from third base while minimizing risk of an out.
Execution: The batter squares up to bunt, and the runner holds near third base until the bunt is confirmed.
Think of it as a “cautious” squeeze — the offense tries to get the run but protects the runner from being tagged out on a bad bunt attempt.
2️⃣ How It Differs from a Suicide Squeeze
Suicide Squeeze: Runner takes off for home as the pitcher delivers the ball. If the bunt fails, the runner is almost certainly out.
Safety Squeeze: Runner waits for the bunt to happen. The batter bunted successfully → runner goes home. If the bunt fails → no out at home, less risk.
| Feature | Safety Squeeze | Suicide Squeeze |
|---|---|---|
| Runner Timing | Waits for bunt confirmation | Breaks on pitch delivery |
| Risk Level | Lower | Higher |
| Typical Situation | Close game, early innings, or when avoiding high-risk plays | Late innings, desperate score attempt |
3️⃣ When Teams Use a Safety Squeeze
Teams often employ a safety squeeze when:
They want to score a run in a close game without risking a crucial out.
The batter is a good bunter but not necessarily elite.
The game situation allows for strategic run-scoring rather than an all-or-nothing attempt.
It’s common in small-ball strategies, especially in the minor leagues, postseason games, or when pitching dominates.
4️⃣ Key Requirements for Success
Batter Skill: Needs to place the bunt properly, ideally down the first or third baseline to avoid easy throws.
Runner Awareness: Runner must time the dash to home plate perfectly after confirming contact.
Coordination & Timing: Both runner and batter must read each other and the pitcher’s delivery.
A perfectly executed safety squeeze can sneak in a run without drawing attention or risking a high-pressure out at home plate.
5️⃣ Famous Examples in MLB
Safety squeezes are less flashy than suicide squeezes, but they often appear in tight playoff games, where one run can decide a series.
Managers like Joe Maddon and Terry Francona have used safety squeezes to strategically score critical runs without jeopardizing a lead.
In Summary
The safety squeeze is a low-risk bunt strategy designed to score a runner from third base while minimizing the chance of an out. It requires timing, coordination, and the ability to read the pitcher. Though it may not have the drama of a suicide squeeze, it is a smart, strategic tool for teams looking to manufacture runs.
