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- Are throws to first to hold the runner a waste of time?
Are throws to first to hold the runner a waste of time?
Posted by John Dewan on Dec 16th 2015
March 16, 2005
Picture this: A fast runner, known for stealing bases, is on first. Rather than pitch to the batter, however, the pitcher keeps throwing over to first to hold the runner.Sometimes this can get pretty monotonous for us fans, especially after the first couple of throws. Is the pitcher getting anything out of this?
As it turns out, it does make a difference. Based on actual data from the 1990s, the stolen base percentage of a runner decreases if at least one throw is made over to first by the pitcher:
| Stolen Base Percentage | |
| No Throw Made ................... | 72% |
| At Least One Throw Made.... | 63% |
In fact, it even makes a difference if the pitcher makes more than one throw:
| Stolen Base Percentage | |
| One Throw Made............ | 64% |
| Two Throws Made.......... | 62% |
| Three or More Throws .... | 61% |
So, if it's your pitcher making the throws, cheer him on. If it's the opposing pitcher, it's your job as a fan to let him know that you don't appreciate all those throws!