Chapter 8 - Infield Play

Baseball is played by teams and no team can succeed if the nine individual players fail to cooperate. Inevitably certain players will make outstanding plays during the course of a game or a season, but it is the ability of the athletes to play together which gets the best results.

Team play is particularly important in the infield. During his 60 years of major league baseball, Connie Mack observed that the great teams were those which combined ability with friendly relationships and team spirit. The players studied the strengths and weaknesses of their teammates and tried to compensate for them.

If one player couldn't cover quite as much territory as was expected of a major leaguer, the player next to him would move over a step to give him a lift. Practice helps a player learn what to expect of his neighbor in making the double play, relay, cut-off, and in many other situations which develop in a game. The players must learn to make split-second decisions as the plays occurs, but should think through the possible play situations which could develop as each hitter steps into the batter's box.

PREPARING TO FIELD. Many infielders handicap themselves by having their feet spread too far apart as the ball is pitched. They do not understand the value of having a low center of gravity and feet close enough together (about the width of the shoulders apart) so that they can break quickly in any direction in pursuit of the ball.

While it is true that the infielder should charge balls hit in front of him, the charge should be controlled. If he rushes in at top speed to field a "slow bouncer," it may take an unexpected bounce to one side and elude him. However, one can change direction more easily if he is moving forward at moderate speed.

In moving forward, the player should move with the body bent forward and hands close to the ground. He should take the advice of George Toporcer, one of the greatest coaches in the game, and always carry his hands lower than he believes the ball will bound. Ten times as many balls go under fielders' gloves as go over them.

Since the forward movement shouldn't be at top speed, the fielder should be prepared to make his quickest movements sideways. Peewee Reese, the Dodger shortstop, discovered during his playing days that having his toes pointed out at about a 45-degree angle helped him get a quicker jump on the ball hit to either side. Dodger infielders continue to follow Reese's pattern.

FIG. 17. Peewee Reese, one of the finest in-fielders of modern times before he became a Dodger coach and then a broadcaster, demonstrates to a Little Leaguer that he must keep his glove close enough to the ground so that the ball can't go under it.

A very good routine for infielders—and outfielders—to follow in getting ready to field is the following:

1. Place hands on knees as pitcher is getting the signal from the catcher.

2. Drop hands in front of the knees with the face of the glove toward the batter as the pitcher begins his motion.

3. Hop forward two or three inches with the weight on the balls of the feet and fingers brushing the ground as the ball is pitched.

Another tip from Toporcer: "Don't follow the flight of the pitch. Focus your eyes on the batter. This will enable you to get a better jump on a batted or bunted ball. You can start to either side more quickly if you watch the actions of the batter during his swing, especially when a batter starts to bunt."

FIG. 18(a). Managers and coaches should teach their infielders (and outfielders, too) to follow this routine: As the pitcher is taking his signals from the catcher, the fielders should assume this position, with feet spread about the width of the shoulders, toes pointed out slightly, body in a crouch with the "tail" low, and hands on knees.

FIG. 18(b). As the pitcher begins his throwing motion, the fielders drop their hands in front of the knees, with the face of the glove toward the batter.

FIG. 18(c). As the ball leaves the pitcher's hand, the fielders hop forward on the balls of the feet and lower bodies so that the fingers of the glove touch the ground. This view shows heels off ground, with weight of body forward as player is ready to make a "cat-like" spring for the ball. He keeps his eyes on the batter.
 
When Eddie Miller was the best defensive shortstop in baseball, they called him "The Crab" because he moved along the ground that way always crouched low. Honus Wagner, the greatest shortstop of all time, would tell young players that they weren't low enough if the backs of their gloves weren't dirty. Wagner used a glove as though it were a scoop shovel.

Few players can get rid of the ball with the speed of a Leo Durocher or Phil Rizzuto in their prime. The ball seemed to leave their hands the moment it reached their gloves. However, keep in mind that you can't throw a ball until you catch it. Some youngsters become over-anxious and try to throw the ball before they have control of it—with sad results. But don't delay the throw because every step a fielder takes before he throws is at least one step for the runner and probably more since the runner is moving at top speed.

Remember this rule: The player should be sure he has caught the ball and has his eyes on the target before he throws. Then he should throw as quickly as possible.

ADJUST TO CAPABILITY. Managers and coaches should help their players adjust to their limitations and capabilities. Like Peewee Reese, when he was an all-star shortstop, they should ask themselves: "Is the batter fast? Is he slow? Does he break fast from the plate? How much time have I to throw him out, because that will govern how far in I have to play him, or whether I can stay back near the grass and still nail him." If a fielder's arm isn't great, he'll have to play closer to the batter, and rely on greater agility to get balls to the right or left.

He'll have to think about the type of pitch that is being thrown and the hitting habits of the batter. Will he "pull" a slow curve if he hits it, or will he fail to get around on the fast ball? Does he hit through the box or down the line? How does he hit against this pitcher?

Plant in the players' minds that; they shouldn't be stationary fielders, but should shift with the hitters, weather conditions, and game situations. Keep them mentally awake as well as physically fit.

Infield Fundamentals

FIELDING GROUND BALLS. Teach young infielders to stay close to the ground, as shown in Figure 18. A large majority of errors are made because infielders let balls go under them. Point out to the boys that it is much easier to come up for a ball than to bend down for one at the last instant.

Tell them to move forward for every ground ball hit in their direction unless it is hit so hard that they don't have a chance to move. To emphasize this, major league coaches often say, "Be sure to charge those line drives," just to keep the players thinking about going to meet the ball even though it may be impossible to do so. Boys must learn to play the ball and not to let the ball play them.

Instruct them to keep their nose pointed toward the ball and their eyes on it from the time it leaves the bat until they field it. Turning the head only gives the ball a better chance to hit the fielder in the face if the ball takes a bad hop. You can demonstrate this to your players by showing them how much narrower their faces are when they look straight ahead than when the head is turned sideways.

THROWING. Players should field as many balls as possible with both hands and grip the ball immediately with the throwing hand. In one continuous motion the hands and ball should be brought to the right side of the body if the player throws with his right hand and to the left side of the body if he throws with his left hand so that he can make his throw without any wasted motion. His throwing arm should be away from his body as he brings it back to throw.

Often, a boy doesn't have time to bring his arm back if he charges in to field a slow roller but must make a snap throw on the run. However, on hard-hit balls, he should push off his right foot and make an overhand throw. This is the same motion as an overhand pitcher’s fast ball, with the ball spinning backward off the ends of the fingers.

MOVING SIDEWAYS. While it is highly desirable to field the ball in front of the body, there are times when fielders must move quickly to either side. The first step to the side should be with the foot farther from the ball, the player pivoting on the ball of the foot closest to the ball and stepping with the other foot as he moves to field it.

FIG. 19(a). This second baseman awaits throw from catcher, with glove in front of left knee to remind catcher that throw should be aimed at that target.

FIG. 19(b). As he catches ball, he grips it with right hand, keeping glove around hand and ball.
FIG. 19(c). In the same motion he swings down to the left so that ball, gripped in both hands with glove toward runner, is between the base-runner and the base. Note position of his feet.

SHIFT WITH HITTERS. Impress on the players that they should think about the batter as he approaches the batter's box. They should know whether he is fast or slow to determine how much time they have to throw him out. They can play deeper on slow runners and batters who seldom bunt. If a player is both slow and a hard hitter, this will determine where the fielder should be. How hard the pitcher throws also is a factor, since batters are likely to hit late on fast-ball pitchers, and the fielders will shift accordingly. If you can get your boys to think about position play, you will do them a big favor.

Infielders often handicap themselves by playing too close to the batter. This is especially true of second basemen, who should be back at the edge of the grass in most situations. Urge your first basemen to shift with the situation, too. They should play deep unless there is a bunt situation.
 
Point out that the fielder can get a better "jump" on the ball if he keeps his eyes on the batter once the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. He can learn from the batter's actions what he intends to do—bunt or hit—and sometimes in what direction.

TAGGING RUNNERS. To tag a base-runner, the baseman should straddle the base and face the runner. Then he should place his glove, with the ball in it, in the runner's path and let the runner tag himself out. The tag should be low so that the runner can't slide underneath the glove. The back of the glove should touch the runner, and whenever possible the ball should be gripped with both hands to keep the ball from being dislodged by impact with the runner. The moment the baseman tags the runner he should pull the ball away.

FORCE PLAYS. Players at all infield positions should use the same type of stretch the first baseman uses on force plays when the ball is being thrown to them. To shorten the throw they should step toward the ball with the left foot and gloved hand extended (assuming that they throw right-handed).

TARGET FOR THROWS. It is helpful to have your players give their teammates a target with their glove for throws. On force plays the target should be in front of the chest. Then if the throw is wild, the receiver can stretch in any direction to catch it in the shortest possible time. On a tag play, the glove should be in front of the knee closest to the base-runner.

TWO HANDS ON BUNTS. While there are rare instances when a professional third baseman who has large hands can scoop up a bunt with his bare hand and throw out the bunter, this play shouldn't be taught to Little Leaguers because their hands aren't large enough to grip the ball. Even the best of the pros rarely succeed in making this play. Instead boys should do as the professionals are taught to do—charge the ball and scoop it up with both hands and throw on the run with a snap throw.

Double-Play

THROW SHOULDER-HIGH. Emphasize that all throws to the pivot man should be shoulder-high so that he doesn't have to waste any time or motion in making the throw to first. The pivot man should hold his glove in front of his chest as he approaches the base to give the thrower a target.

The type of throw made by the fielder who starts the double play depends on where and how he fields the ball. It may be a side-arm, underhand, or overhand throw, but in every instance the ball should reach the pivot man at the shoulder-high level and be thrown so that it can be handled easily. The thrower should try to avoid shoveling the ball to the pivot man with both hands because it is harder to make an accurate throw this way and more difficult for the pivot man to pick up the flight of the ball. The pivot man should try to catch the ball with two hands so that his throwing hand is on the ball and able to grip it for an immediate throw. There is no substitute for practice in learning to handle the ball smoothly and rapidly on double plays around second base. Players must repeat these pivot procedures often to become proficient in manipulating them.

FIG. 20(a). As pivot man on the double play, the second baseman uses the "rock-back" method if the ball reaches him behind the base, touching the base with his left foot and pushing back out of the base line. He pivots on his right foot toward first base.
 
FIG. 20(b). He strides toward first base with his left foot as he throws. This "rocker" pivot was preferred by such famous second basemen as Billy Herman and Jackie Robinson.

ROCKER

PIVOT. When the second baseman is the pivot man on double plays, he should learn two ways to make the play—the "rocker" and the "cross-over." If the ball reaches the second baseman before he gets to the base, it is preferable to use "the rocker." He simply rocks back from second base, touching the bag with his left foot and pushing back with it. At the same time he pivots on his right foot and steps toward first base with his left foot as he throws. This pivot gets him out of the base line to avoid hitting the base-runner with the throw and to keep the players from colliding as the runner slides into the base. (See Fig. 20.)
 
FIG. 21 (a). When the second baseman catches the ball over or in front of the base, he steps on the corner nearest first base with his left foot.
 
FIG. 21(b). He strides across the base so that he comes down on his right foot on the infield side of the base line and facing first base as he begins his throwing motion.
 
CROSS-OVER PIVOT. When the throw to the second baseman requires him to catch it on the run as he reaches the base, the "cross-over" is desirable. There are several ways to make the "cross-over," but long observation indicates that the best way for the boy of Little League age to do it is for him to step on the corner of the bag nearest first base with the left foot and stride across the base, making an effort to turn toward first base as he strides. As he lands on his right foot, he pushes off it and steps toward first base with his left foot as he throws. Again this action gets him out of the base line to avoid hitting the base-runner. (See Fig. 21.)
SHORTSTOP INSIDE. When the shortstop is the pivot man, and the throw is on the inside of the base path, he should step on the corner of the base nearest the pitcher's mound with his left foot and push off the base to the inside as he strides past to get clear of the base line. As he lands on his right foot, he throws to first base, stepping toward first with the left foot as he throws. (See Fig. 22.)

FIG. 22(a). When the throw is to the right of the shortstop, he steps on the corner of second base nearest the pitcher's mound with his left foot.
 
FIG. 22(b). He pushes off to the right to get clear of the base line as he strides toward first base bringing the ball back to a throwing position. His left foot will step toward first base as he throws.

FIG. 23(a). Many shortstops use the "drag" pivot when the throw is to their left side. In making this pivot, the shortstop strides to the outfield side of the base with his left foot and drags his right foot against the corner of the base as he catches the ball.

FIG. 23(b). When his right foot is past the bag, he pushes off it and strides toward first base with his left foot as he throws. This pivot also gets him out of the base path to make his throw.
 
SHORTSTOP OUTSIDE. There are several ways of contacting the base when the shortstop receives the throw on the outfield side of the bag. Perhaps the easiest way for a Little Leaguer to learn and use effectively is to step on the corner of the base nearest center field with the left foot—to stride across to the outfield side of the base line and pivot on his right foot as he lands and makes his throw, stepping toward first base with the left foot as he throws.

The pivot used most in professional baseball when the throw is to the outfield side of the base is for the shortstop to stride to the left of the base and toward first base with his left foot, dragging his right foot against the corner of the bag. When the right foot is past the base, he pushes off it and steps toward first base with his left foot as he throws. The drag is more difficult to learn, but, like the cross-step pivot, makes it easier for the shortstop to avoid a collision with the base-runner if the play is close. (See Fig. 23.)
FIG. 24(a). Here is the cross-over pivot made famous by Marty Marion when he was the all-star shortstop of the St. Louis; Cardinals. Taking a throw toward the outfield side of the diamond, the shortstop touches the corner of the base nearest center field with his left foot as the ball reaches his glove.

FIG. 24(b). His right foot swings behind his left foot in a cross step a:» he brings the ball back toward his right shoulder and grips it with his right hand to throw.

FIG. 24(c). He pushes off his right foot and steps toward first base with his left foot as he throws. The cross step to the outfield side of the base line takes him away from the path of the runner, who may be sliding into the base, and helps him to avoid hitting the base-runner with his throw. This is the fastest and safest outside pivot for shortstops.
 
SHORTSTOP CROSS OVER. Another pivot was made famous by Marty Marion of the St. Louis Cardinals when he was known as "Mr. Shortstop" in the major leagues. It is executed in the following way: Taking the throw on the outfield side of the diamond, the shortstop touches the center-field corner of second base with his left foot; he swings his right foot behind and past his left foot in a cross step; and then he steps toward first base with his left foot. He throws as he steps toward first base, pushing off his right foot. The cross step enables the shortstop to get out of the path of the base-runner and make an unobstructed throw to first base. Most Little Leaguers can learn to perform this cross-over pivot without any difficulty at all. (See Fig. 24 on the facing page.)

STOPPING A DOUBLE STEAL. The catcher, the second baseman, and the shortstop signal each other if they expect a double steal with runners on first and third bases. The first baseman calls the play, shouting, "There he goes!" as the runner breaks from first base. The catcher is the key man. He must force the lead runner back by looking toward third base. If he has no play there, he must throw to second. The second baseman must take a quick look at the runner on third base, take a step or two to meet the throw from the catcher, and throw the ball back if the lead runner breaks for home. If the runner at third doesn't break, the second baseman steps back and makes the play on the runner from first.

The shortstop backs up second base. If the batter is left-handed, the shortstop may take the throw and let the second baseman back him up. The center fielder races in to back up second base in case a bad throw gets past the infielders.

Run-Down Plays

When infielders have a base-runner trapped, they should try to chase him away from home plate. The player receiving the throw should give the thrower a target outside the base path to keep the ball from hitting the runner.

The important thing in a run-down play is to make the runner commit himself. Often a good fake throw with a full-arm motion and the faker taking his eyes off the runner and actually looking at the fielder who would receive the throw, will fool the runner sufficiently to make him change direction and run into the tag without a throw being necessary.
Once a runner starts in one direction, teach your infielders to narrow the distance between him and them as fast as possible. They should make the putout with a minimum of throws because each throw can produce an error. Speed in completing the play may keep other runners from advancing while the fielders are trapping the runner. 

FIG. 25. In this run-down play, the fielder is making a good fake as he runs base-runner back to first. He made a complete swing with throwing arm toward first baseman, striding toward runner in same motion.The caused runner to reverse motion toward second so second baseman could tag him.

If the runner is standing still after the fielder has faked a throw, the fielder should run toward him and force him toward another defensive player. Then the ball should be tossed to the defensive player closest to the runner, giving him time to catch it and tag the runner.

Three players can practice this play to get used to making quick throws and tags. One will be the runner and the other two will try to trap him. They can alternate as defenders and runners to give each player practice in running, faking, tagging, and catching the ball.

Your players should never leave a base uncovered in a run-down play. To give you an example, the catcher and third baseman are making the rundown with the runner trapped between third base and home plate. The pitcher should cover home plate and the shortstop should cover third base with the left fielder backing up third.

Cut-Off Plays

Being in the right position at the right time saves games and runs for the defensive team, and every effort should be made to keep runners from advancing another base.

THROWS TO HOME PLATE. If there is a runner on second base and the batter hits a single to left field, the third baseman is the cut-off man. He catches the ball only if the catcher shouts that there is no play at home plate.
 
When the third baseman cuts off the throw, it's probable that his throw will be to second base because the batter may be attempting to take second on the throw-in from left field. However, there are times when the batter takes a big turn around first without going on to second and a throw to the first baseman will catch the runner off base. The third baseman should line up for the cut-off so that he will be on a line between the thrower and home plate and about 10 feet on the home plate side of the pitcher's mound.

If the batter singles to right field or center field with a runner on second, the first baseman becomes the cut-off man. He lines up between the outfielder and the catcher about 10 feet on the home plate side of the pitcher's mound. The outfielder should throw the ball so that it will reach the cut-off man at head-height. Then it is easy for him to duck the throw and let it go on to home plate if the catcher shouts "Let it go!" Otherwise he can cut it off and throw to second or first base if there is a chance to make a putout on the batter.

THROWS TO THIRD BASE. With a runner on first base and a single hit to right or center field, the shortstop is the cut-off man, lining up between third base and the outfielder. The outfielder should throw the ball so that the shortstop can cut it off or let it go as instructed by the shouts of the third baseman.

First Base

The first thing to teach a first baseman is how to stretch from the base to "shorten" the throw to him. He should learn to step toward the thrown ball, with his right foot on the base if he is a right-handed thrower and his left foot on the base if he is a left-handed thrower. He can stretch farther this way, whether the ball is thrown to his left or right or directly at him.

As the first baseman strides to meet the throw, he should push back with the toe of his other foot against the side of the base to be sure that he is in contact with the base as he catches the ball. With beginners, it is a good idea to practice tossing the ball to them until they learn to do this properly.

Right-handed first basemen should turn in toward the infield as they throw to other bases, striding toward the base to which the throw is being made with the left foot, as they throw. They should not turn their backs to the infield as they pivot to throw, but should turn so that they can see what is happening as they prepare to make a play. Thus, they can change the play if something unexpected happens such as a base-runner falling down, and their throws will be more accurate if they keep their eyes on the target.

First basemen should leave the base to spear wild throws and then try to beat the runner to the base. They should give the catcher or pitcher a target by stretching into fair territory on bunts in front of home plate. On throws to second base, they should throw to the left or right of the base-depending on whether they field the ball in back of or in front of the base line—to avoid hitting the base-runner.

FIG. 26(a). A left-handed first baseman gives the other fielders a target for a throw to first, with left foot on corner of base closest to thrower. Position of glove is reminder that chest-high throw is easiest to handle in "force outs."

FIG. 26(b). As he determines flight of ball, he steps forward to meet it and "shorten the throw." With practice first baseman can stretch several feet toward ball and increase the number of outs on close plays. He catches throws above the belt with glove up.

FIG. 26(c). Stretching toward outfield for wide throw, the first baseman pushes against corner of base with ball of foot. As a left-handed thrower he can stretch farther with left foot against base and right foot stretching forward with right arm. Note position of glove.
 
FIG. 26(d). Here he backhands a wide throw to the home-plate side of the base. Again note position of glove. First basemen can always stretch farther by turning bodies sideways and catching one-handed.

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