We started this season with a surprising 14-10 win. As a result, I spent the next three games imploring the whole team to work on our offensive power. I gambled that it would be a safe strategy for the time being, and besides, power is a good thing to have.
But when you go for power, you often lose average as a natural result -- and that seems to be what has happened in Games 2 through 4, which we won or tied with defense more than offense.
After scoring only 3 runs in our last game, we need to get on base more. This fact has caused a few Muskies to ask, "What about bunting?"
Ah, bunting. It is the scourge of kickball, but so important to the game at the same time. I have generally scorned the practice, as do others, but I have to admit that a nice bunt is pretty important sometimes. And if you ask, "Do we need to double, triple and homer more or bunt more?" the answer is yes. We need to do it all.
SIMON'S BUNTING PHILOSOPHY
1) I believe that you should try to do the best you can when you get up to the plate. Bunting is often the opposite of that -- it's cheap. We're already playing kickball because we're not great at other sports, so bunting a kickball can be seen as just super-weak.
2) That's why heckling "Manbunters" is an accepted tradition in MUSA. Yes, it's a bit sexist, but if a guy bunts, it's almost considered cheating. But since manbunting is not against the rules (unless a team is up by 10 runs), heckling is the only punishment and that doesn't stop many guys from doing it. I mean, who really cares about getting called Manbunter? You're already playing a kids' game!
3) We have seen bunt-heavy teams bunt themselves to a loss. If the bases are loaded, what does bunting accomplish? You might force out the runner at home. If there are runners on first and second, does bunting to the left help? You might force the runner at third. And at best, a bunt only gets you to first base. You need three or four successful bunts in a row to even score one run. And of course, bunting often results in fouling out.
4) Despite all this, bunting can be a crucial element of teamwork and strategy. If you are the leadoff hitter in the lineup or batting first in any inning, it is your job to get on base by any means necessary. If bunting is the way you think you can do that, then go for it. It's sure better than a soft pop-up to the pitcher. Then if the next person hits the ball hard, the team could be in a much better position.
Personally, I don't like to bunt. I prefer a hard grounder, because it might accomplish the same thing as a bunt, and you might get lucky and get more. The key is making sure that it's a grounder, not a cheap pop-up. Bunting is the safer, conservative choice.
I cringe when one of our top power hitters lays down a bunt, because I want to see doubles and triples. But Dave said, "But if I've already fouled on my first kick to the outfield, I have no more room for error." He has a point. Fine -- a bunt is better with one strike, but if you're fouling a lot, you should work more on straightening out your kick.
A sacrifice bunt is practically required when there are runners at first and second and no outs. You bunt to the right side and get yourself out, but advance the runners to second and third. Chances are those runners will eventually score.
Okay, let's review:
GOOD TIMES TO BUNT
- You're up first
- Less than two outs
- No one's on base
- You're in a slump
- You don't have power
- The pitch is slow
- You're a fast runner
- You have one strike
- Infielders unprepared or playing deep
- You're a boy and not ashamed of being called Manbunter.
- Runners on first and second with no outs (hit a sac bunt to right)
BAD TIMES TO BUNT
- Two outs
- Bases loaded
- You think you can hit it hard and/or far
- The pitch is fast
- You already fouled your first bunt attempt
- You're a slow runner
- You're a girl and want to show them that you can do more than bunt
HOW TO DEFEND THE BUNT
The other side of bunting is what to do when the other team bunts. We have had a good defense but some trouble defending bunts. The most important positions for beating a bunt are pitcher, catcher and third base, in that order. All three positions MUST be prepared to charge bunts, pick them up, and throw or run to first or third. But everyone on the team must be wary of bunt possibilities.
- If the pitcher suspects a bunt, pitch the ball fast/hard. This can cause the bunter to foul and strike out. Gretchen had great success doing this.
- Infielders should hug the baselines if they anticipate a bunt. (Outfielders might move in a little to eliminate the gap.)
- The catcher must watch the kicker and anticipate the bunt. If they bunt, get in front of them and pick up the ball ASAP. If you're fast, you might be able to "catch" the runner. I have seen catchers who actually get to first before the runner does! Otherwise throw the ball to first base (or third base if there is a force there).
Teams that bunt constantly generally do not have much to offer. But a strategic use of bunting to get people on base, followed with the power and speed to get the bunters home, can be a lethal combination.
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