The Butcher Boy in Baseball is a sneaky move where the hitter pretends to bunt, then quickly swings at the ball with a short swing to catch the infielders off guard as they rush in. While it doesn’t drive the ball very far, it’s a clever traditional technique that still works great for batters who focus on making contact.
Origin and History
The Butcher Boy was a baseball move from the middle of the 1900s that got its name from Hall of Fame manager Casey Stengel. He came up with the name because he thought the batter’s short, chopping swing looked like a butcher chopping up meat. The play started as a fake bunt that suddenly turned into a quick swing and it was meant to trick infielders who were rushing in toward home plate.
How to Perform the Butcher Boy in Badminton
- Square up like a bunt – Show bunt early to make the infielders charge in.
- Switch to swing – When the pitcher releases the ball, slide your hands together and prepare to chop down.
- Chop down on the ball – Use your top hand to lead and drive the bat downward similar to Casey Stengel’s famous “butcher” swing.
- Aim for a grounder past the corners – Direct the ball based on pitch location and make sure the ball stays low on the ground to keep your runners safe.
