572,679 Single_Baserunner_Opps<\/strong><\/p>\r\n 170,123 Single_1stTo3rd<\/strong><\/p>\r\n 389,902 Single_1stTo2nd<\/strong><\/p>\r\n 1,678 Single_Scored_From_1st<\/strong><\/p>\r\n 10,976 BaserunningOuts<\/strong><\/p>\r\nI focused on the \u201cSingle_1stTo3rd\u201d plays, since any ballplayer can advance from first to second base on a clean single. Conversely, scoring a runner from first base on a single<\/a> is such an exciting yet rare event that it only occurs roughly 20 times per season. A baserunner\u2019s dash from first to third base requires speed, skill, agility, daring and intellect. In a few brief moments the runner decides whether to fully commit to taking the extra base, while processing the distance of the hit, how far the outfielder must travel to retrieve the ball, the strength and accuracy of the outfielder\u2019s throwing arm. The baserunner also needs to make an honest assessment of their skills and determine if the gamble is likely to pay off.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cFirst-to-Third Percentage\u201d is calculated by taking the number of successful events where the baserunner advanced from first base to third base on a clean single with no errors on a play divided by the number of opportunities. Therefore any \u201cfailed\u201d events are essentially noting when the runner exercised caution and remained at second base, with a handful of \u201cput out attempting to advance\u201d events to round out the totals.\r\n\r\n\u201cEvent files for most seasons prior to 1974 are each missing a few games. For a\u00a0list of the games that are missing (although some of them are in the event files with some innings reconstructed based on a partial game account and box\u00a0score) see the Most Wanted List<\/a>\u2026 Note that some games in our files have “99” for missing plays that were outs.\u201d – Retrosheet Event Files<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\r\nTerminology<\/h2>\r\n1B_BR_Opps <\/strong>– <\/strong># occurrences when the runner on first base attempted to advance on a clean single (no errors on the play)\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n1st-Home \u2013 <\/strong>runner on first base scored on a clean single\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n1st-3rd<\/sup> <\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>runner on first base advanced safely to third base on a clean single\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n1st-2nd – <\/strong>runner on first base advanced safely to second base on a clean single\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBR_Outs <\/strong>– <\/strong>runner on first base is put out attempting to advance on a clean single\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\nPct1st3rd – <\/strong># of successful advances from first to third base (1st<\/sup>-3rd<\/sup>) divided by the # of opportunities (1B_BR_Opps)\r\n
Aggressive Angels<\/h1>\r\nThe Angels have the highest success rate of the 30 MLB franchises with respect to advancing base runners from first base to third base on a clean single, according to the Retrosheet event data available for the past 85 seasons. The organization has consistently stressed aggressiveness on the base paths. Based on the totals for each decade, the Halos are always in the top third of all MLB teams, placing first in \u201cPct1st3rd\u201d during the 1990\u2019s and the 2010\u2019s (so far) along with a runner-up finish in the 2000\u2019s and a fourth-place mark in the 1970\u2019s.\r\n\r\nI came across several quotes from Angels\u2019 manager Mike Scioscia concerning \u201clittle ball\u201d and aggressive baserunning strategy:\r\n\r\nOctober 18, 2002 (prior to the start of the World Series) – “The most important part of little ball is the way you run the bases. I think our base running was outstanding in the first two series. We were aggressive going first to third when we had to, stealing bases when we had to. We got great secondary leads, we scored on every base hit we had to.\u201d\r\n\r\n“I think that type of little ball is the way to manufacture runs. That was alive and well in the two series that we had. When you combine that with the home runs, you can see why we had a productive offense.\u201d\r\n\r\n“Little ball is not always the sac bunts, although we had our share of those. It’s not always the hit and run, although we had those. It’s not always the stolen bases. It’s the aggressive base running, taking your secondary leads and being prepared and, more important, situational hitting. We were great with guys in scoring position. They’re all important contributors to what we call little ball.” (Millson)\r\n\r\nApril 2004 – “We go from first to third well, we’re a good situational hitting team; that has to be a part of our game. We’re not going to sit back and let what happens in the batter’s box be our total offense.” (DiGiovanna, 2004)\r\n\r\n\n\t\t