Sacrifice hit
Encyclopedia
In baseball
, a sacrifice bunt (also called a sacrifice hit) is a batter's act of deliberately bunting the ball in a manner that allows a runner on base
to advance to another base. The batter is almost always sacrificed (and to a certain degree that is the intent of the batter) but sometimes reaches base due to an error or fielder's choice
. Sometimes the batter may safely reach base by simply outrunning the throw to first; this is not scored as a sacrifice bunt but rather a single
.
The most opportune situations for sacrifice bunts occur when a runner is on first base, or runners are on both first and second base. The runners try to advance as soon as they see the ball bunted. A properly executed sacrifice bunt in this scenario would put the ball up the first base line with a runner on first, or down the third base line with runners at first and second. This avoids a double play
and results in the runner(s) advancing to second (and third) base, "in scoring position".
A successful sacrifice bunt does not count as an at bat
and, unlike a sacrifice fly
, does not count during the calculation of on base percentage
. However, if the official scorer
believes that the batter was attempting to bunt for a base hit, and not solely to advance the runners, he is not credited with a sacrifice bunt and is charged an at bat.
In leagues without a designated hitter
, sacrifice bunts are most commonly attempted by pitchers, who are typically not productive hitters. Managers consider that if a pitcher's at bat will probably result in an out, they might as well go out in a way likely to at least advance the runners. Some leadoff hitters also bunt frequently in similar situations and may be credited with a sacrifice, but as they are often highly skilled bunters and faster runners, they are often trying to get on base as well as advance runners.
A sacrifice bunt attempted while a runner is on third is called a squeeze play
.
Although a sacrifice bunt is not the same as a sacrifice fly
, both fell under the same statistical category until 1954.
In scoring
, a sacrifice bunt may be denoted by SH, S, or occasionally, SAC.
Major League Baseball
(MLB)
Active MLB leaders
Nippon Professional Baseball
Of players who played significantly prior to 1901, "Wee" Willie Keeler
(OF) accumulated 366 sacrifice bunts.
Among players who played primarily in the post-1920 live-ball era
, the career leader in sacrifice bunts is Joe Sewell
with 275. He was first called up by the Cleveland Indians
late in the 1920 season shortly after the death of Indians star shortstop Ray Chapman after being hit in the head by a pitch, the event which is generally regarded as the start of the live-ball era.
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
, a sacrifice bunt (also called a sacrifice hit) is a batter's act of deliberately bunting the ball in a manner that allows a runner on base
Baserunning
In baseball, baserunning is the act of running around the bases performed by members of the team at bat.In general, baserunning is a tactical part of the game with the goal of eventually reaching home to score a run. In fact, the goal of batting is generally to produce baserunners, or help move...
to advance to another base. The batter is almost always sacrificed (and to a certain degree that is the intent of the batter) but sometimes reaches base due to an error or fielder's choice
Fielder's choice
In baseball, fielder's choice is a term used to refer to a variety of plays involving an offensive player reaching a base due to the defense's attempt to put out another baserunner, or the defensive team's indifference to his advance...
. Sometimes the batter may safely reach base by simply outrunning the throw to first; this is not scored as a sacrifice bunt but rather a single
Single (baseball)
In baseball, a single is the most common type of base hit, accomplished through the act of a batter safely reaching first base by hitting a fair ball and getting to first base before a fielder puts him out...
.
The most opportune situations for sacrifice bunts occur when a runner is on first base, or runners are on both first and second base. The runners try to advance as soon as they see the ball bunted. A properly executed sacrifice bunt in this scenario would put the ball up the first base line with a runner on first, or down the third base line with runners at first and second. This avoids a double play
Double play
In baseball, a double play for a team or a fielder is the act of making two outs during the same continuous playing action. In baseball slang, making a double play is referred to as "turning two"....
and results in the runner(s) advancing to second (and third) base, "in scoring position".
A successful sacrifice bunt does not count as an at bat
At bat
In baseball, an at bat or time at bat is used to calculate certain statistics, including batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. It is a more restricted definition of a plate appearance...
and, unlike a sacrifice fly
Sacrifice fly
In baseball, a sacrifice fly is a batted ball that satisfies four criteria:* There are fewer than two outs when the ball is hit.* The ball is hit to the outfield....
, does not count during the calculation of on base percentage
On base percentage
In baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
. However, if the official scorer
Official scorer
In the game of baseball, the official scorer is a person appointed by the league to record the events on the field, and to send the official scoring record of the game back to the league offices...
believes that the batter was attempting to bunt for a base hit, and not solely to advance the runners, he is not credited with a sacrifice bunt and is charged an at bat.
In leagues without a designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
, sacrifice bunts are most commonly attempted by pitchers, who are typically not productive hitters. Managers consider that if a pitcher's at bat will probably result in an out, they might as well go out in a way likely to at least advance the runners. Some leadoff hitters also bunt frequently in similar situations and may be credited with a sacrifice, but as they are often highly skilled bunters and faster runners, they are often trying to get on base as well as advance runners.
A sacrifice bunt attempted while a runner is on third is called a squeeze play
Squeeze play (baseball)
In baseball, the squeeze play is a maneuver consisting of a sacrifice bunt with a runner on third base. The batter bunts the ball, expecting to be thrown out at first base, but providing the runner on third base an opportunity to score...
.
Although a sacrifice bunt is not the same as a sacrifice fly
Sacrifice fly
In baseball, a sacrifice fly is a batted ball that satisfies four criteria:* There are fewer than two outs when the ball is hit.* The ball is hit to the outfield....
, both fell under the same statistical category until 1954.
In scoring
Baseball scorekeeping
Baseball scorekeeping is the practice of recording the details of a baseball game as it unfolds. Professional baseball leagues hire official scorers to keep an official record of each game , but many fans keep score as well for their own enjoyment...
, a sacrifice bunt may be denoted by SH, S, or occasionally, SAC.
Notable players with 300 or more sacrifice bunts
The following players have accumulated 300 or more sacrifice bunts in their playing careers:Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
(MLB)
- 512: Eddie CollinsEddie CollinsEdward Trowbridge Collins, Sr. , nicknamed "Cocky", was an American Major League Baseball second baseman, manager and executive...
(2B) (major league record) - 392: Jake DaubertJake DaubertJacob Ellsworth Daubert was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Brooklyn Superbas and Cincinnati Reds. His career lasted from 1910 until his death in 1924....
(1B) - 383: John "Stuffy" McInnisStuffy McInnisJohn Phalen "Stuffy" McInnis was a first baseman and manager in Major League Baseball.McInnis gained his nickname as a youngster in the Boston suburban leagues, where his spectacular playing brought shouts of "that's the stuff, kid".From 1909-27, McInnis played for the Philadelphia Athletics ,...
(1B) - 337: Owen "Donie" BushDonie BushOwen Joseph "Donie" Bush , was a Major League Baseball shortstop in the American League for the Detroit Tigers and the Washington Senators...
(SS) - 334: Ray ChapmanRay ChapmanRaymond Johnson Chapman was an American baseball player, spending his entire career as a shortstop for Cleveland....
(SS) - 323: Bill WambsganssBill WambsganssWilliam Adolf Wambsganss was a second baseman in Major League Baseball. From 1914 through 1926, Wambsganss played for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Athletics...
(2B) - 314: Larry GardnerLarry GardnerWilliam Lawrence "Larry" Gardner was a third baseman in Major League Baseball. From 1908 through 1924, Gardner played for the Boston Red Sox , Philadelphia Athletics, and Cleveland Indians . He batted left-handed and threw right-handed...
(3B) - 309: Tris SpeakerTris SpeakerTristram E. Speaker , nicknamed "Spoke" and "The Grey Eagle", was an American baseball player. Considered one of the best offensive and defensive center fielders in the history of Major League Baseball, he compiled a career batting average of .345 , and still holds the record of 792 career doubles...
(OF) - 300: Walter "Rabbit" MaranvilleRabbit MaranvilleWalter James Vincent Maranville , better known as Rabbit Maranville due to his speed and small stature , was a Major League Baseball shortstop. At the time of his retirement in 1935, he had played in a record 23 seasons in the National League, a mark which wasn't broken until 1986 by Pete Rose...
(SS)
Active MLB leaders
- 251: Omar VizquelOmar VizquelOmar Enrique Vizquel González , nicknamed "Little O", is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. Vizquel has played for the Seattle Mariners , the Cleveland Indians , the San Francisco Giants , the Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox...
(SS) - 131 Juan PierreJuan PierreJuan D'Vaughn Pierre is an outfielder in Major League Baseball who is currently a free agent. He bats and throws left-handed....
(OF) - 113 Livan HernandezLiván HernándezEisler Liván Hernández Carrera is a Cuban professional baseball pitcher. He is the half-brother of pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernández.-Playing career:...
(P)
Nippon Professional Baseball
- 533: Masahiro KawaiMasahiro KawaiMasahiro Kawai was an infielder for 23 years in Nippon Professional Baseball, primarily with the Yomiuri Giants. Known for his defense and bunting, he won several Gold Gloves, made two All-Star teams and set several sacrifice hit records....
(SS) (world record)
Of players who played significantly prior to 1901, "Wee" Willie Keeler
Willie Keeler
William Henry Keeler in Brooklyn, New York, nicknamed "Wee Willie", was a right fielder in professional baseball who played from 1892 to 1910, primarily for the Baltimore Orioles and Brooklyn Superbas in the National League, and the New York Highlanders in the American League.- Biography :Keeler's...
(OF) accumulated 366 sacrifice bunts.
Among players who played primarily in the post-1920 live-ball era
Live-ball era
The live-ball era, also referred to as the lively ball era, is the period in Major League Baseball beginning in , following the dead-ball era. During that year offensive statistics rose dramatically in what would be mistakenly attributed to the introduction of a new "lively" ball...
, the career leader in sacrifice bunts is Joe Sewell
Joe Sewell
Joseph Wheeler Sewell was a Major League Baseball infielder for the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees...
with 275. He was first called up by the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
late in the 1920 season shortly after the death of Indians star shortstop Ray Chapman after being hit in the head by a pitch, the event which is generally regarded as the start of the live-ball era.