Playing first base is one of the most important and underrated defensive positions in baseball. For many years, it seemed teams were quite likely to put their least mobile player at first base because all the position required was the ability to take a few steps over to first base and catch a ball thrown by an infielder. However, the defensive prowess of players such as Don Mattingly and Keith Hernandez demonstrated that a slick defensive first baseman could be a major asset to the team.
Step 1
Stand about 10 to 15 feet behind first base and about 10 to 12 feet from the line when there is nobody on base. You want to be in a position to to field any ground ball, line drive or pop up you can reach and still be in a position to get to first base and catch a throw from an infielder. If there is a left-handed hitter up, you'll want to be 5 or 6 feet closer to the foul line.
Step 2
Stand with your right foot against the front left corner of the base when there is a runner on first. You want to give the pitcher a good target for any attempted pick-off throw that comes your way. In order to limit the lead of the base runner, the first baseman must be prepared to receive the pick-off throw and put a tag on the base runner.
Step 3
Throw to second base if you catch a ground ball while running to your right and there is a runner on first. You'll want to start a double play or at least get the force out on the lead runner. If you don't think you can get the lead runner out, you can reverse field and run to get the batter out at first or throw to the pitcher, who should be covering the base. Your first priority, though, is always the lead runner.
Step 4
Charge home plate on any bunt attempt. If the batter bunts the ball in a sacrifice situation with a runner on first base, you want to get to the ball quickly, turn and throw to second in order to get the lead runner. If the bunt is for a base hit, you want to charge in and pick up the ball and throw quickly to the second baseman covering first base.
Step 5
Go after all pop-ups and foul balls with courage. As the first baseman, you have to go after any pop-up in foul territory that you can reach. That includes reaching over the fence and into the stands. It will hurt to run into the rail and catch the ball, but that is your responsibility.
Step 6
Serve as the cutoff man on all throws coming in from the outfield. Position yourself on the edge of the infield between the outfielder and home plate. If the throw is offline or does not have enough velocity, cut it off and throw it to the appropriate base. If it is online, listen to the instructions from the catcher. If he wants you to cut off the throw, he will give you an instruction. "Cut-hold" means cut the ball off and hold it because there is no play. If he yells "cut home" or "cut third," it means cut the ball off and throw it to the proper base.
Member Comments