covering steals of second base

Question
My daughters U12 teams coaches have their shortstop taking the throws to second on steals.  I was always taught that if a right handed batter is at the plate then the second baseman takes the throw.  This prevents you from exposing the left side of the infield.  When a left handed batter is up then the shortstop takes the throw.  Am I right?

Answer
Hello John

Thanks for the question. I'm not going to say you are right or wrong because this is logical strategy especially for baseball. Instead I will give you the primary reasons why most teams have the shortstop take this throw on a girl's fastpitch softball team.

The strategy you mentioned is common for baseball however softball is played on a much smaller infield which allows most shortstops have the same field coverage without having to cheat left or right (90 feet between bases for baseball VS 60 feet for softball makes a big difference).  

On most fastpitch softball teams the first baseman commonly plays up to crash in to field bunts and it's the second baseman's primary responsibility is to cover first base if this happens. With a runner at first and with second base empty many teams will try to move the runner by bunting or faking a bunt on a straight steal, the second baseman has to be ready to cover first either way.

The shortstop is usually has the best range and is also commonly the best athlete on the field. A right handed shortstop is also in the better position to receive the ball and make the tag. With the 60 foot base path distance catching a runner attempting to steal is difficult at best. A quick, accurate release from the catcher with a clean catch and tag by the shortstop is the only chance to stop a runner from stealing. The shortstop has the best chance to make this play.