Definition

Noun: - A specific baseball play: A high-risk offensive strategy in baseball where the runner on third base attempts to score (steal home plate) as soon as the pitcher begins the pitching motion to the batter. The batter is obligated to attempt a bunt. The play is called "suicide" because if the batter fails to make contact with the ball, the runner will very likely be tagged out easily.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The manager called for a suicide squeeze play to score the winning run from third.
  • Executing a suicide squeeze play requires perfect timing from both the runner and the batter.

Advanced Usage

• The play is typically used in late-game situations with a close score, where a single run is critical.
• It is contrasted with the safety squeeze play, where the runner on third waits to see if the bunt is successful before committing to run home.

Variants and Related Words

• Squeeze play (n): The general category of plays involving a bunt to score a runner from third base. The "suicide squeeze" is one type.
• Safety squeeze play (n): A less risky version where the runner waits to see the bunt down before running.
• Bunt (n/v): The act of lightly tapping the ball into play, which is essential for a squeeze play.

Synonyms

• Suicide squeeze: A common shortened form of the term.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Suicide squeeze": Often used metaphorically outside of baseball to describe any high-risk, all-or-nothing strategy.
  • The company's new investment was a suicide squeeze; it would either save them or bankrupt them.

Noun

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