The complete first baseman
Ripken Baseball
Give a good target and get ready to receive the throw.
While first base is a position that can be learned easily, it is a position that requires a lot of ability and particularly good hands. A first baseman not only has to field balls hit to him, he has to accept a lot of throws from the other infielders.
The first baseman has three positions he must assume, and each is governed by the situation, inning, score, outs and hitter. First is a deep position that is normally dictated by a strong left-handed hitter who can pull the ball with authority. A deep position close to the line may also be necessary when an extra base hit will hurt the club. Second is a halfway position. With a right-handed hitter it will be off the line unless the inning and score dictate his guarding the line. Normal halfway is for the bunting-type hitter who will push or drag for the base hit to get on base. And last, the in position is used, naturally, if the bunt is in order or the infield is playing in to cut off a run at the plate.
Your first baseman should:
Play close enough to the bag so he can arrive on time to be a target for your infielder.
Have a pick-off sign with your pitcher. When a bunt is in order there should be a sign indicating when and when not to throw over so the first baseman can get a jump on the bunted ball.
Be well trained in positioning himself for the cutoffs and also in following the runner to second base on the extra-base hit.
Be instructed when to protect the line. This is the judgment of the manager.
Continually work on giving the ball to the pitcher. Chest high, usually underhand; show the pitcher the the ball.
Be schooled in breaking off the base to a fielding position, when holding a man on.
Work on the throw to second base and return to the bag, and work on throwing equally well to all bases.
Watch the runner for missing the base when rounding it on hits, especially extra-base hits.
Work on tagging the runner coming to first on throws up the line.
Back off the bag to handle the ball on the long, difficult hopped-throw, instead of advancing toward it.
Practice taking throws at first base, throws of all kinds. Practice receiving throws to either side of the bag, high throws and also a lot of throws that are in the dirt, as a first baseman should become good at scooping the low throws.
Get in to the habit of using one hand.
Learn when to come off the base and block bad throws.
Catch all pop flies toward home plate.
Know the range and position of second baseman.
Always be alert and communicate with pitcher, catcher and other infielders.
The shift of feet to receive the thrown ball
Straddle the bag.
On the ball to the right: The left foot moves to the right corner of the bag and the player advances with the right foot.
On the ball to the left: The right foot moves to the left corner of the bag and the player advances with the left foot.
The crossover is preferred by many good first baseman and should not be criticized. It is sometimes easier for less agile first baseman learning the position.
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