Shia LaBeouf was running the bases -- instead of running after a homeless guy -- as he enjoyed a game of softball over the 4th of July weekend.

As TMZ first reported, Shia began seeking help for alcohol addiction following a bizarre stretch in New York that included trying to fight a guy outside a strip club and getting arrested after being thrown out of a showing of "Cabaret."

In the video -- shot Saturday in Venice -- LaBeouf is playing catcher and roping a few singles. 

Progress.