Catcher Throws To Second With No One Stealing...Why?

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[@AntonelliBaseball]

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[@JohnHenry1331]

He pressed triangle instead of pressing circle. Happens time to time

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Happens all the time for me 😂

[@BachBeethovenBerg]

I legit thought this was an MLB The Show video from the title and the thumbnail. MLB The Show graphics have gotten good enough that it can be tough to tell the difference between it and real life at quick glance sometimes.

[@filmaker256]

the catcher tried to throw from the ground like his arm was that good lol

[@budbinner1381]

😂

[@dominicgervasio2548]

Epic 😂

[@davidbohn8955]

Thanks Coach Matt! I've got coaching for my 8 year old's team starting up in a month and I'll definitely be using this type of action to create chaos on the youth field :)

[@randylevin587]

Great explanation

[@timisaac8121]

If I keep watching your vids, will I become a coach? One day just wake up the hat and glasses are on my head!??? Thanks again for hugely informative and entertertaining presentation.

[@lonnyyoung4285]

I loved messing with pitchers. They knew I had enough speed to steal the base if I wanted to, so I would mess with them when they were looking at me. I like to believe that it affected their delivery home, which could help the hitter. If nothing else, I had fun doing it.

[@landen3578]

It would be nice if San Diego Studio recruited Matt to teach them how they can make MLB The Show not only look but play as real as possible.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I agree!

[@d.e.7467]

As a center fielder, I kept my head in the game by anticipating the angle from which the ball might be thrown from and started moving to back up 2nd base. Of course, the thrower was more often the catcher. I never saw this play, but I did throw out a runner that stole 2nd and headed for 3rd because the ball went past the infielders. I was throwing by the time he was just over 1/2 way to 3rd. He was tagged while still running. I developed the strategy because I didn't get a lot of practice (summer job), and I was nervous about errors. I'm trying to forget those. 🤨So, moving around kept me calmer. At the same time, it could be boring and too quiet way out there. 😴

[@clarkeugene5727]

I wonder if this particular play is used rarely, does the runner get the call from the 3rd base coach or from the 1st base coach. How about the batter, how does he get informed?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Usually a sign from 3B coach

[@jameshudson169]

alexander used the same tactic at the hybapsis river in india.

[@royarl]

TIL at baseball games I need to periodically yell "RUNNER!" very loud during a pitch. 😁😁😁

[@danutebahena179]

If the catcher had made a better throw, the ball wouldn't have gone to center field.

[@rumblehat4357]

Yes, terrible throw, especially with a lefty batter up. Might not have been that bad had second base covered with a righty batter.

[@davej3781]

as an umpire, I will confirm that the borderline pitch being caught with a runner going is indeed less likely to be called a strike. yes, I track it all the way same as any other pitch, but if the catcher is catching it on the move with an immediate transfer and throw, I'm just not going to get as good a look.

[@leskobrandon3497]

Even if the runner was going it was a bad throw , 2 feet off of the base . The throw should have been right on the corner of the bag , and the Shortstop should have been watching the catcher too .. Too bad you can't charge them both with an error. Thanks for the on point explanation .

[@Brian-nx3yp]

The throw was awful. Shortstop watched the catcher and made an initial effort, but realized the throw was impossibly off target. This was all Contreras.

[@PeterTea]

Lol. A fake steal that resulted in stealing second.

[@shoreramp6858]

All runners should be putting pressure on the defense all the time. Not seen as much at the pro levels because the pro defense tends to be able to still make the plays> I think its just laziness on the part of the runners not to be threatening to go on every pitch.

[@joeyweinstock2272]

Me predicting a steal on mlb the show

[@bean3774]

I ACTUALLY thought this was The Show on PS5 off the thumbnail😂

[@spooge33]

My thought is that if the throw was on the bag, there's no conversation.

[@junito1008]

All that explanation is fine BUT at the end of the day, the catcher is not supposed to throw is nobody is covering the base !!

[@mkwy8782]

That is not how it works. It is/was a communication issue.

[@davelew86]

The runner stopped halfway

[@singledad1313]

These fake steals might become more numerous now that MLB has limited the number of pick off moves allowed per at bat.

[@pattystomper1]

Why wasn't the 2nd baseman covering 2nd base? He just stood there and let the shortstop do all the work.

[@mkwy8782]

The rule of play is that the SS covers with a LH batter and the 2B covers with a RH batter. The infielders will change this up occasionally to mitigate the hit-and-run.

[@Eric_W]

I'm trying to make sense of your title... why not include "fake steal" in there since you know that's what it was? Why not use something like "What is the purpose in a fake steal?" Since you're teaching people why, you don't need to BS them with a BS title considering he DID attempt to steal. Sure it was a fake steal but he did in fact make the attempt. I mean you explain the reasons very well but the BS title just makes someone like me annoyed that you felt the need to BS me for some reason. I played baseball/softball from age 8 to age 52 (61 now) so I already know the multiple points in a fake steal, but your title had me wondering "why did he throw the ball if he truly wasn't stealing"... then I find out the truth.... so yes I am at a loss in the point of your title.

[@Rich-od8bs]

I like these little breakdowns on unusual plays and even just basic fundamentals. 👍

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks Rich!

[@neubauerjoseph]

@@AntonelliBaseball and I really enjoyed your story about your time in the MLB and MilB, its not easy even if you are very good. Thank you

[@patdry]

One of the things I miss most from playing baseball was all the little mind games like this between the teams, made the game so much more fun and dynamic. This was a really cool breakdown, Matt thanks.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks!

[@alexvdubb]

It's a physical form of chess. Gotta love it!

[@RichardLewisCaldwell]

Yes, that was fun. I had a bit of a semi-hidden advantage that I tormented pitchers with: my wingspan is four inches wider than my height (normally they're equal), so I'd lead off "too far" and taunt.

[@MH-Tesla]

Spot on! You nailed every point. Not that I'm surprised, but it's just so satisfying when someone gets 100%.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!

[@cj6814]

Yadier Molina would have thrown to first and caught the runner in a rundown for playing games 😅

[@benhaney9629]

This is one of those plays that gets less and less effective the higher up in baseball quality you get. Like a lot of plays. It’s like I’m Little League we worked on first and and third plays every week. By high school maybe we had a first and third play or two that we practiced once or twice. By the MLB it’s pretty much non existent.

[@nacoran]

Just be mindful of a snap throw to first. I can think of a long line of catchers- Yadier Molina, Sandy Alomar Jr., Benito Santiago, Pudge... who could seriously put the hurt on you if you don't get back to first, and if the ball doesn't get out of the infield on contact taking a second to stop your run can make you slower to second than if you'd gone on contact. It's all about doing it just enough to keep them honest.

[@wimpymcsteel4458]

Exactly. with the runner focused on getting back to first, he also probably loses the ability to stretch a base hit, should it happen. At the major league level, this play probably has more drawbacks then benefits, which is why you rarely see it.

[@zyglo9826]

Back in the 60’s Earl Battey of the Twins had a strong throwing arm and a lightning fast release from the crouch. He loved to fire the ball to first to keep the runner from getting too bold. Even to third if there was a runner there. More than a few runners took the walk of shame back to the dugout, victimized by Battey’s arm.

[@russrandolph]

"Why would you run this?" As the ball is sailing in to center field and the runner is coasting in to second. Does it really need to be asked? 😆 Jokes aside, anything to get the ball in play or extra throws often pays off. Great break down. Tjanks for the content.

[@clarkeugene5727]

Yep, extra throws do sometimes pay off and there is no risk to the offense.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!

[@justie1220]

These breakdowns are absolutely wonderful! I really appreciate the fact that as a former MLB player, your knowledge of what’s going on is greater than the average person and the fact that you’re willing to share that knowledge with us is a testament to you!

[@Blt-rr2lm]

But the short stop did cover the bag. The throw was way three feet off line. He would have had to dive even if he was closer to the bag.

[@jt-music-media]

It's a real privilege having these on youtube. thanks Mr. Baseball! xD

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks you and glad you liked it!

[@robapple78]

Great small ball tool (just don’t get picked off 😂). It certainly makes a world of difference with a lefty batting. I hope to see more of this with the pitch clock adding an extra element of pressure.

[@pedro3131]

So here's a question. With the new rules (re: the pitch clock) is there anything saying the catcher has to throw it back to the pitcher. Could the catcher throw it around the horn or something to buy the pitcher another few seconds to regain his composure? A lot of our (Phillies) pitchers seem to be unraveling when they give up a couple hits and can't do the usual walk around the mound, take a few deep breath thing they used to be able to do.

[@LEV1ATHYN]

Don't try that stuff on Yaddy, he'd zip that down the line before you know what hit you.

[@deborahd.7281]

If the throw was closer to second base, then the shortstop might have been able to get it.

[@pintsizepregame9427]

Hey Antonella love your mlbtheshow23 content! What a weird play.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!

[@willm3027]

I hope you’re finally making some money out of this.

[@23ofSeptember]

I used to play first base and my team had a catcher that would always gun the ball to first with a runner on, not to get the runner, but just because he thought I wasn't paying attention and he was trying to get me to miss the ball.

[@mkwy8782]

You played on a team that was not well-coached.

[@angc214]

Even If it were a real steal attempt, that was a horrible throw. Probably goes into CF anyway.

[@rumblehat4357]

Yes, terrible throw. Maybe not too horrible if a righty batter was up and second was covering, but easy steal with that set up and that throw.

[@ChiefKillaCue]

Matt I appreciate the video! Definitely not a typical play! Keep the breakdowns coming please

[@AntonelliBaseball]

You got it!

[@JamesBoddie]

Baseball: a mental game.

[@johnnyalvarez2585]

That's what the catcher gets for being lazy and throwing from his knees.

[@element720]

To be fair, had the throw been on target, this would be a non-video

[@basketball9013]

Maybe. You could keep the same title. And his question of "why run this play?" would have been more intriguing because there wasn't an obvious reason that had just happened.

[@tu6202]

Matt, great breakdown. This is an example of why baseball is so interesting. There is so much strategy involved and you have to understand the game at so many levels. The people who say baseball is boring just don't know.

[@JackSchitt-p9t]

What if the catcher anticipates the fake steal and throws behind the runner to first base? Does the left-handed batter get called for interference if he's in that throwing lane?

[@letsgobrandoniagree6803]

Not if he is in the box, I think

[@bucknuts8824]

My high school coach used to run this routinely, and also the fake bunt with runner on 2nd. 3rd basemen would charge everytime, no one cover 3rd base-easy stolen base for guy on 2nd.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I like that too! Almost ran it today

[@mkwy8782]

Bad players/bad coaching. Any SS knows to cover in that situation.

[@superduty4556]

He heard some scouts were there and he wanted to show the cannon.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Could be 😂

[@hordboy]

Pitcher was caught by surprise and about took a ball to the noggin. 😂

[@AntonelliBaseball]

It was close!

[@twain3074]

Dave McKay may be the best 1st base coach around today. He's got the Diamondbacks really clicking regarding base running and stealing, and the speed on this years team lends itself to his game plan.

[@therealyousef]

Also good way to test the catcher’s arm especially early in the game

[@mkwy8782]

@@strange-universe Only outside the MLB.

[@danielmallory4687]

The wording with why legit had me thinking is there a senerio where we want the ball in center field alone then laughed at myself

[@christopherbyrnes2718]

Matt, fantastic videos of late with the breakdowns, lookd forward every day to these teaching points to use with my team, very impactful, please keep it up. Big time thanks

[@DumbTiger]

Literally me on MLB the show all the time

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Me too! 😂

[@toms382]

Do you fake steal other bases or just second? If so why? I could see of benefits you laid out for the fake steal of second not being there for third.

[@Greygon313]

Good breakdown. I had a high school baseball coach that would periodically go over different types of steals and plays for base running. We always competed for titles and he instilled in me a love for the game and understanding the rules and how to use them.

[@landen3578]

Matt the baseball professor

[@AntonelliBaseball]

🤓

[@woodencoasterfan]

I love the gamesmanship being played in baseball and why it is more like a game of chess with all the moves, countermoves, and all out fakery.

[@manager4409]

You run the risk of the catcher noticing it's fake and throwing him out at first

[@AntonelliBaseball]

That’s why you shorten lead

[@benhaney9629]

Ivan Rodriguez used to punish teams who tried this sort of shit on him by rifling the ball to first base immediately… And punished shifty screw with your mind type base runners in general. That guy just had a amazing catcher instincts.

[@wimpymcsteel4458]

Which is probably one reason you do not see this at the major league level. It can create more problems than it solves.

[@sdhsfbrules]

Baseball strategy is great!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I agree!

[@zyglo9826]

Psychological baseball at its finest. Keep them guessing. Keep them off balance. Be unpredictable. The late Ty Cobb used mind games to great advantage. In the words of Yogi Berra, “90% of this game is half in your head.”

[@Zerpersande]

I don’t watch baseball. But interesting stuff does happen. This was one of those cases. And your explanation was extremely interesting. Actually done.

[@lennychorn147]

Who gets the error, the throw or the failed fielding?

[@mkwy8782]

100% the throw.

[@Mitten4371]

When I was pitching in travel baseball our coaches would drill us with plays like this and that's why as a pitcher it's important to pay attention to the runners on base paths. Because your actually taught as a pitcher to lull the base runners and get them thinking that the pitcher forgot about them. But also before this play ever begins the pitcher,catcher and the middle infield gets together to know whose covering second base in which in this case shortstop is covering. But that's why the entire infield has to be yelling He's Going or Runner in case that the runner is going

[@danielcastiglione5328]

Two things. 1. If a runner doesn’t get a good jump, automatic fake steal. Another reason to do it. 2. Really do not like the one knee catchers are doing on base now. That was a horrible throw. If he throws it to the bag, there is a way better chance the SS can catch the ball.

[@heystarfish100]

You can break this down by reviewing post video but a whole lot of things have to go right to pull this off and coaching youth on what to do is going to be tough. It would be valuable to see how to prepare the players.

[@arthurmabeejr8752]

I agree with some good interpretation to why this happened, however what was left out of the equation is the catcher did make his throw to far to his right, most throws are usually targeted over 2nd base, 6 inches to his right is even a good throw, but to throw the ball almost 18" inches off to the right of 2nd base is and should be charged to the catcher as an error. I've zoomed into 2nd base and froze it 1 frame at a time, from what I see: it's a error because the throw was not close enough for the shortstop or 2nd baseman to cover the throw?

[@jongjongya4145]

While listening I kept thinking you were talking about the catcher and the defensive team "running the play".

[@rmp5s]

I was watching this...gave me a good chuckle. lol

[@corylohanlon]

I like everything except the strike to ball. Bad calls aren't part of the spirit of the game.

[@seanpop2886]

Another thing it does is brings in the center fielder to backup on the play. In high school, it was a great distraction for the pitcher.

[@gungadin164]

When my dude says, "... bobble the ball and the ball falls" at 4:02, he sounds suddenly like a really cool auctioneer.

[@kranzandstern]

More evidence that Baseball is a thinking man's game. It is so much more than trying to hit a ball.

[@sammatsusaka823]

As a catcher, I could see everything. Nobody needed to tell me the runner was going.

[@justinherbert9146]

You cannot possibly get a worse throw to second bas by a catcher - is he even a major leaguer?

[@Harryjay6]

I like taking away the catcher's opportunity to frame the pitch.

[@markwoten6679]

Be like Johnny bench and throw from the seat of his pant to second base to throw out runner.

[@AlicePearlJam]

One of those plays that is rarely seen today. I remember when the runner on 1st bluffing was commonplace.

[@holmj12]

I was born in 94 and had never seen this before. I only played in somewhat competitive (but still low quality) little league. I've never seen it in a pro game watching the Twins growing up (granted maybe watched 20 games a season). Is your memory going before 1994 when bluffing stealing second was commonplace?

[@wyattlauth1453]

If you use it multiple times the catcher could get wise and just fire straight to first

[@goofe.washington953]

Fabulous example of small ball. This was an excellent video.

[@johnstewart2143]

Baseball is so much better than the modern "three true outcome" boring nonsense.

[@markb.1259]

This could have.... Should Have... been a 3 min. video!!!

[@GollyGDean]

everything is good about this video except your microphone

[@Arientis]

Wild Will, did you come to the park with your pants on your head?😂

[@b.whisky9438]

Even if the SS got to the base, the throw was way too far from 2nd base.

[@TheFridayNightGamerj]

How many times can boy who cried wolf become applicable to life

[@spankduncan1114]

Bad throw...had it been on the bag, short stop would handle it.

[@ticnatz]

This is the type of play that defines baseball as an intellectual sport.

[@truckermikemct1]

Could be an easy pickoff if the catcher has a clear path to first.

[@AllanKobelansky]

Your “inside baseball” talk is fascinating.

[@a.castillo2190]

Really cool beautiful for my snakes stealing a stolen base 👍

[@sammaier4485]

Runner juked and the catcher couldn't see because of the batter

[@thomasgoetz8723]

And to be hinest it was a very poor throw to second. So far of target

[@detroittigersandotherbaseb7220]

What if the batter or a fan yells Runner

[@seasonsintheson]

Great explanation! Subscribing.

[@thebeasters]

I recognize this last name and I'm afraid to ask

[@mikekinsella2822]

fake steal IF catcher throws to 1st your dead meat