{{Short description|Baseball maneuver}} In baseball, the '''squeeze play''' or a '''squeeze bunt''' 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. Such a bunt is most common with one out.<ref name=bp>{{cite web |date=November 15, 2013 |title=Painting the Black: Suicide is Painless |publisher=Baseball Prospectus |url=https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/22243/painting-the-black-suicide-is-painless/ |access-date=August 30, 2020}}</ref> According to Baseball Almanac, the squeeze play was invented in 1894 by George Case and Dutch Carter during a college game at Yale University.<ref>{{cite web |title=Year in Review: 1894 National League |work=Baseball Almanac |url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/yearly/yr1894n.shtml |access-date=2018-08-11}}</ref>

In a '''safety squeeze''', the runner at third takes a lead, but does not run towards home plate until the batter makes contact bunting. A play at home plate is possible.<ref name=bp/>

In a '''suicide squeeze''', the runner takes off as soon as the pitcher begins the windup to throw the pitch, and before releasing the ball.<ref name="bp"/> If properly executed, and the batter bunts the ball nearly anywhere in fair territory on the ground, a play at home plate is extremely unlikely.<ref name=nyt>{{cite web |date=August 20, 2006 |title=A Bunt and a Prayer |website=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/20/sports/playmagazine/20suicide-squeeze.html |access-date=August 30, 2020}}</ref> However, if the batter misses the ball the runner will likely be tagged out, and if the batter pops the ball up a double play is likely.<ref name=nyt/>

These plays are often used in the late innings of a close game to score a tying, winning, or insurance run.<ref name=nyt/> A pitcher's typical defense against a squeeze play, if he sees the batter getting into position to attempt a bunt, is to throw a high pitch that is difficult to bunt on the ground.<ref name=nyt/>

==References== {{reflist}}

{{Baseball}}

Category:Baseball terminology Category:Baseball plays Category:Batting (baseball)

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