Complete Second Baseman

The complete second baseman
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The key to success

Few clubs have ever finished near the top without a play maker at second base unless their hitting power, pitching and defense could offset the need for the double play. An ever-alert second baseman with a good double-play pivot and the ability to work cleverly with the shortstop and act as a field general is a tremendous asset to a club. He should be a man with the speed and the arm to handle the tough pop-up down the first base line and act as relay man on the extra-base hits to the right field area.

Many second baseman, however, have mediocre arms and make up for this defiency with fast hands and by charging ground balls when the need for hustle is necessary. They can generally be protected on relays by the first baseman and shortstop and fall into the backup spot. Remember, your second basemen is a target for base runners. He should be agile, fearless and staunch. His ability to make plays under fire can be the deciding factor in many a game.

Your second baseman should:

Have an understanding with the shortstop as to who is covering the base on any given pitch.
Know the proper time to leave his position on the bunt and not leave his side of the infield unguarded too early.
Call the questionable play on the ball hit in areas where he and the first baseman both make an effort for the ball.
Be careful about moving on pitches after receiving the sign from the catcher.
Make every effort to make the catch on the short fly ball down the right field line.
With a double steal situation, determine in advance who will cut off the catcher's throw. The position and who takes the cut off is determined by many factors, such as: the hitter and how he will be pitched to; the running speed or ability of the base runners; the importance of the run on third and first; the arms of your infielders; the fact that you are at home or the road; the ability of your pitcher to hold men close; and the limitations of your infielders.

It is generally recommended that either the second baseman or shortstop (depending on the situation) make this play by himself. He will advance to the bag and watch for the third base runner to make the break for home. He then advances, cuts the ball off and makes the play at the plate. In the event the runner on third holds up, he will attempt to tag the runner advancing from first base.

The Double Play—the most controversial play in baseball. Again we remind you a pattern cannot be formulated. Practice is a fine substitute for controversy. The suggestions below may be helpful.

On a double play, your second baseman should:

Determine how and where the shortstop likes the throw and concentrate on making a good throw.
Realize in advance the importance of the play in relation to the situation and the stage of the game. In key situations in late innings the play must be made. Therefore, speed and chances must be taken. In early innings caution is used, as a bad first throw or play can lead to a big inning.
Always be cognizant of the interference play by the base runner and never shy away or become alarmed when the runner is approaching.
When tagging the runner in the base path for the double play

Tag with both hands: the ball in the throwing hand, the glove for protection.

Realize the runner cannot run out of line. Do not chase him.

In the event the runner stops, start him back to first base far enough to permit a run-down before throwing to first base.

Work on the double play from every angle. Throw off the bag, across or behind the bag, and learn to throw accurately from every angle.
Shortstop and second baseman should play catch together so that they become accustomed to each others throwing habits and ball movement.
The second baseman and shortstop should go back on balls hit over the infield with the intention of catching the ball until the outfielder calls them off.

General reminders for second baseman

Knock the ball down at all times, yours is a short throw.

On a hard-hit ground ball, no one on, don't be afraid to drop to one knee.

Establish the range of the first baseman. Run him off most balls to your left.

Your throw will most times be a 3/4 type throw. When acting as a relay man, however, as well as making throws home, stay up on top for better accuracy as well as carry.

Don't get in the habit of flipping the ball. Arm strength cannot be developed this way.

Communicate with the shortstop regarding who is covering the bag. Let the shortstop determine this by hiding his mouth with his glove. Use closed mouth (me), open mouth (you).

Anticipate at all times what you are going to do with ball before it is hit to you.

On a ball hit to your right, throw out your right leg and slide along the dirt as going to the ball. As the ball is fielded, plant right foot and throw against it.

Cover first base when a bunt is in order.

Make every effort to get to a pop fly down right field line that first baseman can't get.

Go back on all pop flies until outfielders run you off.

Do not play too deep. You must cheat on the double play as well as cover the bag for steals.

When covering first base on a bunt, go to the bag and play as a first baseman would. Don't time it to just barely get there. Be there early to give a target.

When covering the bag for defense of the double steal go directly to the bag and listen for the verbal command from the shortstop. If the runner on third base is going for home, you will then have to come up from the bag and make your throw to home. If the runner stays, then you must lay back and tag out the runner coming in.

When making a tag on a sliding runner, catch the ball and take your glove straight down and straight up.

In making the double play

Do not feel that every ball hit with a man on is a double-play ball. The speed of the ball and where the ball is hit will determine this.

Always get the head man. Your job is first to catch the ball, then give the shortstop a good throw. The shortstop will execute the double play.

The shortstop will cover all balls hit back to the pitcher unless a real right-handed pull hitter is hitting. It will then be your responsibility.

When going to bag to execute a double play, charge the bag hard and then have a slight hesitation or shuffle to see in what direction the throw is coming.

When a poor throw is made to your glove side it may be necessary at times to move your left leg to the left and then tag with right foot, throwing as your right foot touches bag. When possible come across the bag to get out of the runner's way. Use the bag as a pushing point.

Determine, based on distance from the bag, if a throw is necessary or if a underhand shove will get the runner.

When using the underhand shove, give it to the shortstop firmly. A stiff wrist will increase your accuracy.

When ground ball is close enough to bag, tag the bag yourself. When it's not necessary, don't handle the ball twice. Stay in back of bag if you can on this play.

Don't hide your throws. Only at one time will you turn completely around, and that is when a ball is hit really deep in the hole to your left (very difficult).

No need to do a jump or full pivot when making double play. Catch the ball, turn your hips and upper body, bring your hands and the ball back and throw.

Draw a line in infield practice. On one side of line you must throw, on the other you can shove.

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