"Coach Dunn's Quick Pitches" — By Coach Jack Dunn

Defensive Fundamentals, Part 2

SECOND BASE

The second baseman should be fast on his feet, nimble and agile, possess quick reflex actions and have the ability to get rid of the ball quickly and to throw accurately from any position. He should be able to throw sidearm, underhand and overhand.

Position of the Play

The second baseman, with no one on base, plays shallow or deep, according to the batter's speed and the condition of the playing field (depending on whether the field is wet and slow —or dry and fast).

1. His position with a runner on first base, contemplating a bunt situation, and no one out.

   The second baseman moves in toward the plate and shades toward first base, ready to make the putout at first base in the event the first baseman cannot get back to the bag in time to make the throw. The first baseman gets back, the second baseman backs up the throw.

   He should not break toward first base before the ball is actually bunted. If he breaks toward first base too soon, the batter might push the ball to the spot left vacant. The first two steps are toward home.

2. His position with a runner on first base, contemplating a bunt situation, and no one out:

   The second baseman plays the ball the same as above.

3. His position with a man on first base, none or one out, double play in sight, right-handed batter at the plate

   The second baseman closes in by taking two or three steps directly toward home plate and over toward the base, in all cases except when the batter is definitely a left-handed pull hitter. In that event, he should figure that he will get the ball off the bat and start the play himself.

4. His position with men on first base and third base, attempted double steal in order, right-hand batter at the plate

   In the event of a double steal attempt, the second baseman runs rapidly from his position, after the ball has gone by the hitter, to a spot approximately one step in front of second base, in a direct line with home plate. He must watch for an attempt by the runner on third base to score. If the runner breaks for the plate, the second baseman must charge fast to cut off the catcher's throw and return the ball to the catcher. If the runner on third base does not attempt to score, the second baseman waits in his position, one step in front of second base, for the catcher's throw and then pivots around to make the tags at second base.

   Always remember that the score of the game and the inning will determine if you should try to cut the runner off at the plate or try to get the runner stealing second base. If the run is the winning or tying run, the play should be made to the plate.

Method of Playing Second Base

The second baseman moves in on all balls, except hard-hit balls, never waits for the ball to reach him, and tries to play the hops. He does not let the ball play him. With the glove and bare hand facing the ball close to the ground, always well in front, he fields the ball with relaxed hands.He should keep his head down, eyes on the ball, feet apart, and be on balance. Most ground balls hit near first base, but fielded by the second baseman, should be thrown to the first baseman with an underhand or sidearm throw. On this type of batted ball, the second baseman yells, "I’ve got it" to inform the first baseman that he can make the play. On an ordinary ground ball, hit directly at the second baseman playing in his normal position, the second baseman fields the ball, straightens up and takes a short step as he throws overhand to first base.

On Balls Hit To His Extreme Right: He must go full speed for the ball, throw his weight on his right foot as he fields the ball, brace himself on his right foot and, as quickly as possible, balance himself for the throw to first base, which should be his best overhand throw for carry and accuracy.

On Slow-Hit Rollers: The second baseman has to charge the ball, pick it up while still on the run, and throw the ball at the same time, in an underhanded motion.

On Fielding Fly Balls:The second baseman should field all flies, in back of first base, that he can reach. He should try for every fly ball hit in any direction; but once another player calls for the ball, he should return immediately to second base.

THIRD BASE

The third baseman must have quick hands and very fast reflexes. He must not be afraid of hard-hit ground balls; and he must be willing to take tough hops that he misses with his glove, anywhere on his body. He must be able to jump on the ball like a cat and to throw overhand with a strong arm for lots of carry. He must be sure that his hands, when fielding the ball, are down on the ground, with no room anywhere for the ball to go through. The third baseman can knock down balls, pick them up and still throw out most runners. The third baseman generally has more time to field and throw a batted ball than any other infielder and should take advantage of this opportunity by not hurrying his throw.

Position of the Play

1. Normal

   Always depends on the speed of the hitter, the ball and strike count on the hitter, and the score and inning of the game.

2. Defensive position against a definite pull right-hand hitter

   The third baseman plays deep and protects the line by playing closer to it, making sure that no fair ball can go between him and the line.

3. With a man on first base, no one out, a bunt in order—or with a hitter at bat who has a reputation for laying down bunts or someone who is very fast

   The third baseman plays a step or two ahead of third base into the diamond, moving in as the pitcher delivers the ball.

4. With a man on first base and a bunt in order

   The third baseman plays a step or two into the diamond ahead of third base and, if he fields the bunt and throws to first base for the putout, he should always remember that another play might immediately follow and that he should be prepared either to cover home or retrace his steps to third base, in the event the catcher forgets to cover third base on this play.

5. With a man on first base or second base, none out, bunt in order

   The same as above.

6. The third baseman should try to field all balls that he can reach, even though some seem to be hit at the shortstop. This is particularly true on slow-hit balls. On these, the third baseman should field those on the run and throw to first base, all in one motion.
7. The third baseman should always watch the hitter–and not the pitcher —while the ball is being pitched. He will find he can get a better jump on the ball by doing this, and it enables him to get a much better start on the ball if the batter tried to bunt.
8. The third baseman should take all fly balls between third base and the catcher, if possible.

For more from Coach Dunn click on Coaches Corner on the JUGS® website.