Complete 3rd Baseman

The complete third baseman
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Learn how to field like a pro.

Although in assembling a club, a manager sometimes fills this position with a man with bat ability who is less adept at covering ground, the third baseman is still very important defensively. He should qualify in the field with a good arm, good hands and fearless determination. He should be able to knock down or block the hard-hit ball and still have time to throw out the average hitter. He shifts and plays position more than any member of the team.

Your third baseman should:

Consider the type of hitter, the ball and strike count, the score and the inning.

Be ever alert for the bunt.

Recognize all hitters and know where and when to play in and back.

Guard the line when the situation dictates.

Learn to charge the bunt and field it with the bare hand and throw—but only when no other method would retire the runner.

Attempt to field all ground balls to his left. He is in a better position to make this play than the shortstop. This is particularly important with a play at second base.

Keep his eyes on the hitter and not the pitcher.

With a man on second or first and second and a bunt attempted, recognize who can handle the bunt and either retreat to third or advance and make the play himself. On this play, when forced to field the bunt, he should evaluate the possibility of a force at second. If not possible, he should make the play at first. When retreating to third base for the throw from the pitcher he should hustle, take a look at the bag and not feel for it with his feet.

On the sacrifice fly situation check his runner for leaving the bag early.

Catch all pop flies he can get toward the plate.

The third baseman, like the first baseman, has three positions he must take—deep, halfway and in. The positions will be taken depending upon the score, outs, inning, situation and hitter.

Deep position should be taken when strong right hand hitters are biting.

Play deep and guard the foul line when an extra-base hit will allow a runner to score.

Play halfway and over when a left-handed batter is hitting.

Play halfway in a normal game situation when the hitter has the ability to drag bunt.

Play halfway when a below-average type batter is hitting.

Play in when a bunt is in order.

Play in when left-hand drag or push-bunt type batters are hitting.

Play in and over when left-handed pull hitters are up.

Play naturally in when trying to cut off a run at home plate.

General reminders for third basemen:

Knock the ball down at all times.

Cut in front of the shortstop and get all balls he can.

Throw the ball over the top on all balls hit right at him and to his right.

On balls hit to his left, at times it may be best for him to come from the side.

Run pitchers and catchers off pop flies.

Go to the fence and screen, then come away, allowing him to be in better position to catch pop flies.

Know what to do with ball before it is hit to him.

With men on first and second, and a ball hit to his left, go to second base for double play.

With men on first and second and a ball hit to his right, tag third base, then go to first.

With bases loaded and a double play in order, make the play the easiest way. If the ball's hit to the left, go to second base; if to the right, tag third base or go home. If the ball comes right at him, go to second, third or home, whichever is easiest.

Act as cut-off man when a man is on second and single is hit to left field.

Act as cut-off man when a runner is on third and fly ball is hit to left field.

When acting as cut-off man get self in position—left side of diamond between third-base dirt area and home plate.

Hold hands high, giving outfielder a target to throw through.

Advise pitcher when a runner is getting too big of lead off third.

Run pitcher off all topped balls that will be easier for him to field.

Make the play on a topped ball with his bare hand when necessary.

When time allows, make a small arc and come around fielding a topped ball so that you are facing first base and will not have to throw across your body.

Not always cross over when the ball is hit to his left. A hard-hit ball won't allow this.

Back up throws back to pitcher after a pick-off attempt and when the first baseman is returning the ball to the pitcher.

When going to right, plant his foot and throw off it for strength and accuracy.

Throw from over the top for strength and accuracy.

Encourage the pitcher.

Be alert for the squeeze and alert the pitcher to the same.

Forget about talking to third-base coach. He will only try to distract you.

The topped and slow-hit balls are your toughest plays. Practice them.

Know how much ground the shortstop can cover.

Know the ability of the catcher to catch pop flies.

Know the fielding ability of each of your pitchers.

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