basestop

A basestop is a term used in baseball to describe a defensive player's action of intentionally allowing a runner to advance to the next base. This is typically done when the runner is not a significant threat to score, and the defensive team believes that preventing a more dangerous runner from advancing or achieving a better strategic position is more important.

Basestop maneuvers are often employed with two outs to avoid giving up a hit or an extra-base hit to a powerful batter. The defensive player might intentionally throw a slightly less effective pitch or allow the runner to steal a base if it sets up a more favorable matchup or defensive alignment. For instance, a pitcher might allow a runner to steal second base if it means facing a weaker hitter with the bases empty or with a runner on third.

Alternatively, a basestop can occur when a fielder deliberately makes a less than optimal play, such as throwing the ball slightly offline or making a less aggressive attempt to tag a runner, to prevent a wild throw that could allow multiple runners to advance or score. This is a calculated risk, as it concedes a base to the offense. The decision to basestop is strategic and depends on the game situation, the strengths and weaknesses of both teams' players, and the overall score and inning. It is not a common occurrence but is a recognized tactic in a baseball team's strategic repertoire.