Definition

Noun: 1. A specific play in baseball: A high-risk offensive strategy where the runner on third base begins to sprint toward home plate at the exact moment the pitcher starts the throwing motion to the batter. The batter is then obligated to bunt the ball, sacrificing themselves to allow the runner to score. The term "suicide" emphasizes the high risk, as the runner will almost certainly be tagged out if the batter fails to make contact with the ball.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The manager called for a suicide squeeze with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
  • Executing a perfect suicide squeeze requires precise timing from both the runner and the batter.

Advanced Usage

• "to execute a suicide squeeze": To successfully perform this play.
  • The team practiced for hours to be able to execute a suicide squeeze under pressure.
• "to call for a suicide squeeze": For a coach or manager to signal for this play to be attempted.
  • With a weak hitter at the plate, the decision to call for a suicide squeeze was a surprise.

Variants and Related Words

• Squeeze play (noun): The general category of offensive plays involving a bunt with a runner on third base. The "suicide squeeze" is one type of squeeze play.
• Safety squeeze (noun): A less risky version of the squeeze play where the runner on third base waits to see if the bunt is successful before attempting to run home.

Synonyms

• Squeeze bunt: A more general term that can refer to any bunt attempt with a runner on third, including the suicide squeeze.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "All or nothing": This idiom captures the high-risk, high-reward nature of the suicide squeeze, where the play typically results in either a run scored or an out.
  • The suicide squeeze is an "all or nothing" play that can decide a close game.

Noun

1. the runner on third base starts home as the pitcher delivers the ball