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Second Base

Requirements: A quick player with the ability to throw from all angles.

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

     The middle infielders' pages will, of course, have much duplication, although the positions are very different.  The biggest difference between 2nd and SS is the distance and angle to 1st.  As 2nd you're more likely to throw to first from an awkward body position.  This should be practiced as often as possible.  On the other hand, as 2nd you're also more likely to have an easier throw to first.  These extremes can cause Knoblauch-like problems if you ignore your mental game.
     Communication between the middle infielders is often critical to the successful execution of routine plays, and to occasional displays of near-impossible feats of teamwork timing.  It's often needed for the routine, and always needed for the remarkable.  Practice is the catalyst that promotes timing, and communication is what gives you that split-second edge to make the close plays.  Practice your double play drills as often as possible.

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.

When there is a runner on first ~   "Cheat" over 2 or 3 steps toward second and in 1 or 2 steps to be ready for the double play.  It also gets you closer for the attempted steal.  Try not to get burned on the hit-and-run.

Holding the runner ~   You need to work out who's going to the bag when there is a runner on second.  Generally speaking SS keeps her on when there is a left-hander at the plate, and 2nd covers when it's a right-handed hitter.  But many middle infielders devise elaborate signals for these assignments, and often catch runners out of place.  Whenever it's not a force out and you need to tag the runner at the base, remember to sweep the throw down to the bag and swipe the tag, then show the umpire the ball and smile, unless you need to hurry the ball to the hands of one of your teammates.  

Corners in ~ When the corners are in your assignments may change.  Always be aware of the situation.  Are you (the team) trying to prevent a runner from scoring?  Are you looking for the double play?  Should you cover first on a bunt?  The answers to these questions will dictate your actions.  Be sure.  If you are not, ask.

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 bunt ~ Your assignment on bunts depends on the full situation.  Don't make the mistake of feeling that you should be covering first on any bunt to the right side.  Generally speaking you do cover first on any bunt that takes your 1st to the ball, but with a runner on first, your assignment could be second.  

Cutoff ~ Remember the cutoff stance.  Catch the perfect throw on your glove side as your shoulders are in line with your target, and quickly turn as you crow hop to throw a strike.  As you wait for the ball listen for your team to tell you to hold the ball or throw it to another base.  

See what 2nd does in Base Coverage and Rundown situations.

 Baseball builds character; be part of the construction crew.

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Last modified: December 05, 2002