When running from base to base running is 99% of the time the fastest, that’s why you almost never see anyone slide into first, another thing many have pointed out, it he had ran all the way he would have beaten the throw, the only time you slide into home is to get under the tag, never on a force out.
And to avoid contact with the catcher…if you hit the catcher without sliding you’re screwed…you can upend him if your butt is on the ground…
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I thought it was interesting that Kirk kept checking his bat on earlier “ups” and then it came apart in a huge way his final time. Amazing play by Betts to end it !
I forget the play, think it was the dodgers previous series. But someone ran through home plate but actually missed the plate. Throw was wild so after having a think 5 steps from home plate, he ran back and touched it. So running doesnt always mean faster, if your stride is off just a bit at such a high speed, might just miss the mark entirely. Just something else to consider..
Mythbusters did an episode on this. Running is faster. Slide only when you want to avoid a tag or “stop” on a base. Smith was never going to tag in that situation and was on the opposite side of IKF.
I think the X factor in this whole situation is that while Smith was on the opposite side of the plate, the runner has no idea where the throw will end up and that can change where Smith is in an instant. And if that happens, contact via running will favor the catcher. Contact via sliding will not.
The science says running is faster than sliding all other things considered. The situation of the play as it unfolds dictates the “better” choice in the moment.
I think you have to put that in context. There was 1 out and the last thing you want is to be part of a double play. The Jays had a number of base running errors in the series and being doubled off in the bottom of the 9th would have been a disaster. I think he could have been a little closer to home, particularly once the pitcher was in his windup.
The reality is, the Jays left 14 on base and had multiple chances but so did the Dodgers, they left 10.
There were a lot of “what ifs” and “could have’s” but for the series, the Jays outperformed their regular season and the Dodgers under performed there’s so it was a wash. It was thrilling and heart breaking at the same time, something I will never forget. I was there when Joe Carter hit his HR in game 6 against the Phillies in 1993 and thought I would never experience anything as exciting but this series beat that, even though they didn’t win. It would have been incredible if they won but once again, we are left to say wait till next year.
Go Jays.
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I agree it was super exciting. I went to bed after the ninth inning figuring I would find out in the morning anyway. Both teams had great pitching.
Of Game 7???
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The throw was coming from the second base side; doubtful the throw will goto the other side where Smith would make contact with a upright IKF.
I think base runners are conditioned to slide at home on “close” plays and that instinct took over.