Strap in because there’s going to be a lot to this topic and probably a lot I will miss. Let’s get started.
I learned APBA Baseball at an early age. And I’ll admit I was confused about the importance of the 31 at the time and why it mattered. Then I discovered the Hit and Run boards. And that was in the days of the old Hit and Run charts which were more offensive-friendly.
But there’s so much more to the hit and run in the game of APBA than the 31.
Before we get into the numbers of the Hit and Run, why is it used in real life? True, it was much more implemented in the early 1900s and before but we still see it on occasion.
Here is a definition of the Hit and Run from Baseball Reference’s BR Bullpen:
“With a runner on first base, the strategy calls for the runner to break towards second base with the pitch and for the batter to swing at the pitch, no matter where it is, in order to put the ball in play. The strategy can be attempted with more than one runner on base, as long as first base is occupied.
The strategy has a number of objectives: the runner’s break for second base, as on a stolen base attempt, means that one of the infielders has to cover the bag. This opens a hole on either the right or left side of the infield, increasing the gap for a ground ball to break through to the outfield.”
Factors in play
Most importantly, you want be in the right mindset when using the hit and run. Are you looking to tie the game with a three run home run? If so, the hit and run is probably not your best option. The 1 is not a homer anymore and instead is a double. However, if you’re looking to move runners along and possibly get a base hit to keep the inning alive, the hit and run might work well.
So what play result numbers are influential in deciding if you want to engage in the Hit and Run? Let’s take a look.
31
As mentioned earlier, the 31 is the key identifiable component of the Hit and Run. The 31 is normally a fly out to center field. If you send the runner on the play, that fly out turns into a single with the runner on first moving to third base. Big difference!
I’d wager that among non-pitchers, 99% of them have either one 31 at 34 or two 31s (the other usually being at 63 depending on the season set).
Of course, if you are replaying deadball seasons, you will be more likely to encounter hitters with three or more 31s on their card.
I would recommend not using the Hit and Run with a hitter that has one 31.
DP numbers
When you hit the 24 with a runner on first, it will be a double play, a rally killer. However, on the hit and run play, it is simply a ground out to short that moves the runner to second. If you have a hitter with three or four 24s on his card, he might be a good candidate to hit and run, assuming he has a couple of 31s.
By the way, the same thing goes for play result number 12 which also normally a double play. The 25 is an interesting beast. It is a DP with a runner on first but with runners on first and third, it simply grounds the runners over.
11 (baserunner)
This only applies to using the hit and run with a runner on first. When you receive a 14, it is a Strike; runner out stealing; IF RUNNER HAS AN ELEVEN IN THE FIRST COLUMN, HE STEALS SAFELY. In addition, a 35 gets you the same result but a runner with a 10 also steals safely (runner on first only).
Sadly, the 13 and 14 are both Strike; runner out stealing with runners on first and third.
33 and 34
While the hit and run can relieve you of the double play on the 24, that doesn’t mean you can’t hit into one using the hit and run. Both 33 and 34 result in a lineout twin killing. As a general rule, a player will normally have a 36-33, a 56-34 or both. They will always have at least one of them.
My guess is that if a hitter has both a 33 and 34, he probably doesn’t have two 31s so he wouldn’t be a good candidate to hit and run with anyway.
How do pitchers’ grades affect the Hit and Run play?
It’s important to understand what effect an opponents pitcher’s grade may have when implementing the hit and run. It isn’t quite the same as the regular boards.
Like the regular boards, pitchers’ grades affect player result numbers 7, 8 and 9. Result number 10 is affected only with runners on first and third. Aside from the 10, the results are very similar regardless of both base situations.
For result numbers 7, 8 and 9 with a runner on first:
- 7–SINGLE to right; runner to third (AGAINST GRADE A, A&C or A&B PITCHERS, use result no. 26 below)
- 8–SINGLE to right; runner to third (S runner out at third; A-RF PO-3B) (AGAINST GRADE A, A&C, A&B or B PITCHERS use result no. 26 below)
- 9–SINGLE thru short; runner to third (S runner stops at 2nd)(AGAINST GRADE A, A&C, A&B, B or C PITCHERS use result No. 28 below)
With runners on first and third, a slow runner on first in NOT out at third. And for those who keep fielding, the ball is fielded slightly differently.
- 7–SINGLE to right; one scores; other to 3rd (AGAINST GRADE A, A&C, or A&B PITCHERS, use result No. 28 below)
- 8–SINGLE to center; one scores; other to third (AGAINST GRADE A, A&C, A&B or B PITCHERS, use result No. 28 below)
- 9–SINGLE to right; one scores; other to third (AGAINST GRADE A, A&C, A&B, B or C PITCHERS, use result No. 26 below)
- 10–SINGLE to center; one scores; other to third (AGAINST GRADE A, A&C, A&B, B or C PITCHERS, use result No. 26 below)
What are the key takeaways here? One, the result number 9 is not a hit against a B pitcher as it would be in either base situation using the regular boards. Conversely, the 8 is not a hit with runners on first and third against the B or C pitcher.
Finally, the 10 can be a killer with runners on first and third against B pitcher. Instead of a rbi single and steal moving two more runners into scoring position, you will have grounded out moving the runners over.
Best card to hit and run with?
Aside from Billy Herman or Ty Cobb, what kind of hitting card is best to hit with? These qualities best exemplify a typical hitter:
- at least two 31s (more is better)
- more ground out numbers than fly out numbers
- very few 13s (also, very few 14s unless the runner on first has an 11
- no 1s or 5s (you don’t want to waste them)
- finally, 24s won’t hurt you as much
Take a look at Billy Herman’s 1941 card up top. He is mostly a singles hitter (33-7) but has five 31s. I count just two 13s on his card.
When looking at modern day baseball, my mind goes to Luis Arraez. He’s a singles hitter with three 31s and only one 13. Not only that, the effect of his three 24s will lessened.
Final thoughts
One thing not mentioned already is value of ground outs versus flyouts. Flyout numbers like 30 is like its counterpart on the regular board (32 is a double play with runners on first and third!). Ground outs are so much valuable on the hit and run. With a runner on first, result numbers like 26, 27, 28, and 29 all move the runner to second base regardless of fielding.
If you’re new to the hit and run, review the boards. There are some surprises; some good, some not so good. I know the hit and run isn’t for everybody especially since the change in the charts. I played a nine-game series this past weekend and I think I employed it once.
Let me know if you use hit and run and if it works for you!
