GlossaryPlays & rules

Pickoff

A throw from the pitcher or catcher that retires a runner who has strayed off their base.

A pickoff retires a runner who is off the base and cannot get back. Most often it is the pitcher throwing to first from the set position; a catcher's snap throw behind a runner counts equally.

It is scored as a putout to the fielder applying the tag and an assist to whoever threw. If the runner breaks for the next base and is retired in the ensuing rundown, the play is scored as caught stealing instead.

In youth divisions where leadoffs are prohibited, pickoffs at first essentially disappear, though catchers can still catch a runner who leaves early.

Is a pickoff the same as caught stealing?

No. A pickoff retires a runner who strayed off the base without attempting to advance. If the runner breaks for the next base and is then retired, it is scored as caught stealing.

Related terms

Caught Stealing · CSA runner retired while attempting to steal, charged against their stolen base success rate.Stolen Base · SBA runner advancing a base on their own during a pitch, without the help of a hit, walk, error, or defensive indifference.Putout & Assist · PO / AA putout credits the fielder who records an out; an assist credits each fielder who handled the ball before it.Balk · BKAn illegal motion by the pitcher with runners on base, penalized by advancing every runner one base.

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