A bleeder in baseball is a weakly hit ground ball that goes for a base hit. It is also referred to as a scratch hit. With this poor hit, you barely enable the runner to reach the base safely. When a bleeder takes place, here are some tips for runners so they can still make it to the base safely:
- Run as hard as you can
Once the bat hits the ball, put your head down and run as hard as you can— the more efficient, the better. However, you should not keep your head down for the rest of the run. After three to four steps, you should look at the ball if it went through the infield. If it does, continue running as fast as you can through the second base. If it was not able to, you have to run straight for the first base bag.
- Look at the front part of the bag
The front part of the bag is essential. This is where your foot has to make contact because it is the closest and safest spot to say that you got to the base. Also, if you try to step on the side or back part of the bag, there is a good chance you can turn your ankle because of the speed you were going when trying to reach the base.
- Plan the path
You should already know which way to go. It would help if you tried to run through a straight path as much as possible as this is the quickest way.
- Position your feet
Always position your feet towards the direction you are planning to run. That way, you get a better start when it is already time to run.
- Watch the Pitcher
It would be best if you watched the pitcher because it is an excellent way to observe what the pitcher will do next. Pitchers usually look at the runners at the first base, so you should run towards the second base as early as possible. However, it should not be too early because the pitcher will notice you.
It would be best if you observed how long he starts to make the first move to lift his foot off the rubber because this will give you an idea of how much time you have between the time he starts his stride and the time the catcher will receive the ball when you try to steal the base.