How do you know when a runner is stealing a base?

[Bobhead]

I've been meaning to make this topic for a while... am I missing something? The only indication there ever seems to be is when the announcer says a runner is breaking. However, many times the announcers don't say anything at all (or say it too late - ie: they are still talking about something else at the time I deliver the pitch). There is no visual cue at all or anything. It's frustrating when a runner steals a base and I don't even realize it until they are like 2 feet away from the base, and by then it is obviously too late to throw.

[nemesis04]

Re: How do you know when a runner is stealing a base?

The crowd volume spikes when the runner takes off. You know instantly!

[coolguy124]

Re: How do you know when a runner is stealing a base?

i always know instantly cuz i see the ss or 2b go cover second

[xKaoTicxLegEndx]

Re: How do you know when a runner is stealing a base?

What I've noticed while playing is if you pay attention up in the left-hand corner where the runner is taking his lead from first (and you can have someone else watch for you as well if you're busy selecting your pitch), if you notice the runner take an extra step, especially if it's a speedster like Michael Bourn or Shane Victorino, usually they're taking off. Sometimes they don't, but the speedsters usually do. I'll always send a deceptive pick-off attempt or two over to keep 'em honest, and they stay put.

If you can't, or just don't, notice that "extra step", then you can always call for a pitch-out on the first pitch to the next batter if the guy on base is a stolen base threat.

It'll also be beneficial to pay attention in that box up in the left-hand corner to the runner's baserunning ability and speed. The higher those abilities are, the more likely that runner is to attempt to steal. Also consider other factors as well (i.e. time of the game, score, etc.). If you find yourself in the midst of a pitcher's duel, and it's a tight ball game, any speedster that gets on will likely attempt to steal to try to get into scoring position.

[Bobhead]

Re: How do you know when a runner is stealing a base?

i always know instantly cuz i see the ss or 2b go cover second

Except if you are pitching you have no way of knowing what the fielders are doing, unless you are using a far-away camera angle, or a camera angle behind the plate.

The crowd volume spikes when the runner takes off. You know instantly!

Even if you are the home team (and the baserunner is on the away team)? I've had several incidents where a base was stolen and the crowd was quiet as a mouse.

It'll also be beneficial to pay attention in that box up in the left-hand corner to the runner's baserunning ability and speed. The higher those abilities are, the more likely that runner is to attempt to steal. Also consider other factors as well (i.e. time of the game, score, etc.). If you find yourself in the midst of a pitcher's duel, and it's a tight ball game, any speedster that gets on will likely attempt to steal to try to get into scoring position.

I have noticed this also. I try to make a habit of attempting a pickoff anytime the runner has an extra lead. However, sometimes, that box isn't even there, it likes to disappear on you, which is what led me to create this thread in the first place.

[xKaoTicxLegEndx]

Re: How do you know when a runner is stealing a base?

Except if you are pitching you have no way of knowing what the fielders are doing, unless you are using a far-away camera angle, or a camera angle behind the plate.


Even if you are the home team (and the baserunner is on the away team)? I've had several incidents where a base was stolen and the crowd was quiet as a mouse.



I have noticed this also. I try to make a habit of attempting a pickoff anytime the runner has an extra lead. However, sometimes, that box isn't even there, it likes to disappear on you, which is what led me to create this thread in the first place.

I understand where you're coming from. I'm usually in the same habit you get into whenever a stolen base threat gets on. I usually throw over twice. I'll try a deceptive move first, and then a quick one to kind of keep them honest. Then I'll throw to the plate, and they're usually staying put. After that pitch though, it's a guessing game really.

With the opposition gets a speed threat on base, I tend to have to throw more fastballs in order to cover myself in case he does go. However, I've had a few speedsters get great jumps on me while throwing a 12-6 curve or something off-speed and I have absolutely no shot at throwing them out whatsoever.

[Suvorov]

Re: How do you know when a runner is stealing a base?

The crowd will react no matter if you are the home or away team. When there is a runner on base, listen for the crowd to respond and you will know the runner has taken off. I have gotten used to throwing immediately to the base ahead of the runner as the ball is on it's way to the Catcher.

[nl15]

Re: How do you know when a runner is stealing a base?

You can see the 2nd baseman or shortstop going to cover 2nd. I f you have anothere camera angle you can still hear the crowd.

[nemesis04]

Re: How do you know when a runner is stealing a base?

Even if you are the home team (and the baserunner is on the away team)? I've had several incidents where a base was stolen and the crowd was quiet as a mouse.

I have never had a situation where there was a steal from either team and the crowd did not react. Don't know what to say there!

[Bobhead]

Re: How do you know when a runner is stealing a base?

Perhaps it's because I'm playing a Rays franchise. The "crowd" is not very crowded, and thus, not very loud. Either way, it's not something I've found to be reliable.