quick question...is it easier to steal off lefties or righti

[dclark0699]

If the umps call the balk correctly, lefties are just as easy to steal 2nd against as righties are.

Would be easier...I don't think it would be just as easy though.

You have never read the definition of a balk then huh.


Rule 8.01(c) Comment: The pitcher shall step “ahead of the throw.” A snap throw followed by the step directly toward the base is a balk.

I must be reading this wrong.

I have never seen a pitcher step AFTER he throws the ball to first. i would agree that that would be a balk

[bobbing_headz]

If the umps call the balk correctly, lefties are just as easy to steal 2nd against as righties are.

Would be easier...I don't think it would be just as easy though.

You have never read the definition of a balk then huh.


Rule 8.01(c) Comment: The pitcher shall step “ahead of the throw.” A snap throw followed by the step directly toward the base is a balk.

Even if that is enforced you still have to wait for the pitcher's leg to go to the plate. Unlike a righty you can't go first movement. Explain how that is "as easy".

[Lofunzo]

If the umps call the balk correctly, lefties are just as easy to steal 2nd against as righties are.

Would be easier...I don't think it would be just as easy though.

You have never read the definition of a balk then huh.


Rule 8.01(c) Comment: The pitcher shall step “ahead of the throw.” A snap throw followed by the step directly toward the base is a balk.

But a lefty is facing the bag and can be set and then quick step behind the mound and throw to 1st. A righty has to spin around to do the same, taking more time.

[Andy1234]

Here is an interesting read

[acsguitar]

If the umps call the balk correctly, lefties are just as easy to steal 2nd against as righties are.

I disagree. The lefties have a mental edge over righties as they can stare you down as they pitch.

[raiders_umpire]

If the umps call the balk correctly, lefties are just as easy to steal 2nd against as righties are.

I disagree. The lefties have a mental edge over righties as they can stare you down as they pitch.

Sure they have a mental edge over the slow base runner that is scared to steal. But a player with some speed can bother that left handed pitcher a bit more then the right handed pitcher by just jumping and twitching at first base. But either pitcher is easy to steal off of if you just pay attention and the umps don't let the left hander balk.

[acsguitar]

If the umps call the balk correctly, lefties are just as easy to steal 2nd against as righties are.

I disagree. The lefties have a mental edge over righties as they can stare you down as they pitch.

Sure they have a mental edge over the slow base runner that is scared to steal. But a player with some speed can bother that left handed pitcher a bit more then the right handed pitcher by just jumping and twitching at first base. But either pitcher is easy to steal off of if you just pay attention and the umps don't let the left hander balk.

Another thing is righties have to spin and throw while lefties can just throw. A split second means alot in baseball so I'm sticking with lefties are harder

[dclark0699]

I was thinking about this some more ....

If you guess correctly against a lefty it might be easier. Especially for a great basestealer. If you get the jump and go before the guy has crossed the 45 degree or whatever the rule is for throwing to first....I agree it would be easier because odds are in the majors you will have more time to get to second.

1. Lefties typically throw a few MPH slower
2. Lefties tend to throw more breaking balls...thus a slower ball to the plate.
3. Lefties do the high leg kick with a runner on first because they can....hardly ever see a slide-step from a lefty
4. Most right handed pitchers who do not want to be stolen on all day will do a slide step or some sort of knee-to-knee abbreviated motion from the stretch.

The problem is...if you guess wrong...you are picked off

[acsguitar]

I was thinking about this some more ....

If you guess correctly against a lefty it might be easier. Especially for a great basestealer. If you get the jump and go before the guy has crossed the 45 degree or whatever the rule is for throwing to first....I agree it would be easier because odds are in the majors you will have more time to get to second.

1. Lefties typically throw a few MPH slower
2. Lefties tend to throw more breaking balls...thus a slower ball to the plate.
3. Lefties do the high leg kick with a runner on first because they can....hardly ever see a slide-step from a lefty
4. Most right handed pitchers who do not want to be stolen on all day will do a slide step or some sort of knee-to-knee abbreviated motion from the stretch.

The problem is...if you guess wrong...you are picked off

Good points. I'd still personally rather steal off a righty on first move

[vtigers23]

I agree with the majority that it is easier to steal from 1st to 2nd with righty on the hill. From 2nd to 3rd it depends on the pitcher because righty and lefty alike have the same distance to move. One thing that hasn`t been brought up though, and should, is the squeeze. Which is way, way easier to do against a lefty, yes I know it is not a straight steal like the question asked but the squeeze is a very important part of the game and should be considered when talking about holding on runners, Righty vs Lefty. If the Lefty is the the stretch he cannot see the runner breaking for the plate and instead has to rely on his 3rd baseman relaying this information to him. With a righty he can see the runner breaking and either throw it up and in, or in the dirt depending on what his coaches instruct their pitchers to do.