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First Base

Requirements:  Strong flexibility with the ability to stretch.

See the Basics page for general information on fielding and throwing.

     A left-handed 1st has an advantage over a right-hander, when everything else is equal, because he can stretch further into the field.  In either case, the first base player should be able to move laterally as well as 3rd.  Don't be too quick to see a ball hit to your right as the second baseman's ball.  Remember that your pitcher will be covering the bag on a ground ball hit to the right side of the field.
     As 1st you'll have to know your range, that is, how far you can stretch without coming off the bag.  If a bad throw is going to bounce beyond your range, stay back to catch it on the hop and be ready to come off the bag to knock it down.  Come off the bag as soon as you know you need to; it's better than giving her another unearned base.  On the other hand, there's nothing prettier than 1st making that stretch just beyond his range to make an out.  If you give 110% in practice, you will train yourself to give more in a game.  (Sounds like a Yogism.)

Be ready on every pitch ~   As your Pitcher winds up, you want to be on your toes in a ready position.  As he delivers the ball, take one small step forward and keep your eyes on the batter.  Taking this one step gets you in a moving ready position which can drastically increase your chances of knocking down a hot grounder normally out of your reach, or stabbing a quick line drive otherwise impossible for you to get.  Of course, when you are holding a runner on, your ready position is modified, but you are still moving on the pitch.

Holding the runner ~   A left-hander has a slight advantage here too.  You want your right foot on the corner of the bag that points to the pitcher.  Sweep the throw down to the bag and swipe the tag, then show the umpire the ball and smile.  If you're not sure of your grip on the ball with your glove, you'll have to bend your knees as you use your other hand to assist, and drop to the tag.  You'll be giving up a lot of time to the runner, but it's better than throwing the ball away and giving her second.  

Corners in ~ When the corners are in you are there to cut off the bunt.  Be ready.  It doesn't mean you commit to the bunt by running in with the pitch, unless, of course, your coach gives you that sign too.  Another purpose of pulling in the corners and not the middle infielders is to turn the short hits down the lines into double plays.  Sometimes even when there are 2 outs and a runner on third the corners will be in to prevent the squeeze.  Whenever you are called in, make sure your 2nd and RF knows you are moving in.  

Infield in ~ When the whole infield is in, you are there to cut off the run at the plate.  Make sure the outfield knows the plan.  

On the bag ~  Unless you're holding a runner, you should start every play three steps into fair territory and three steps behind the bag.  On any ground ball not hit to you, move quickly to the bag.  Don't set your feet too early because you may have to adjust for a wild throw.  Usually you'll tag the base with the same foot as your throwing hand.  If the throw is wide to your throwing side, it's best to cross over to catch it.

On the bunt ~ Communicate with your pitcher and 2nd.  Remind them of coverage.  If the bunt is hit hard at you, charge it.  Be ready to tag the batter-runner, but remember not to dance with her and miss other runners.  Be conscious of the situation.  If the squeeze is on and you have a play at the plate, let the batter-runner go, and avoid the run, unless you know there are two outs and the play at first is easier.  You should have coverage on the bag for the force, and it's often easier to throw it to a teammate than to apply the tag.  If it's a soft bunt, stay at your bag and wait for the throw, giving an inside target (one of the rare times a right-handed 1st would use his right foot on the bag). 

Cutoff ~ There are a few situations where you might take a cutoff throw, most common being from RF to home.  Often you will be lined up on the infield grass to receive the throw.  Remember the cutoff stance.  Catch the perfect throw on your glove side as your shoulders are in line with your target, and quickly turn to throw a strike.  As you wait for the ball listen for your Catcher to tell you to hold the ball or throw to another base.  

See what 1st does in Base Coverage and Rundown situations.

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Last modified: December 05, 2002