third base

Question
i play third base on my school's varsity team, i just wanted to know what a really good third base-man looks like. are there any certain characteristics that prove that a third base-man is really good? or do they just do what they know they have to do?

Answer
Hi Kimberly

Since third base is closest to home, much of the action takes place along the third base foul line. Cooperation and communication between the third base player and the shortstop is important to stop steals from 2nd. The same close understanding and communcation is necessary between the 3rd base player and the catcher.

Like the 1st base player your area requires being able to move foward and backward along the base line quickly.

Third base fielding is a busy is frequent during each game. This means the 3rd base player frequently throws the ball to first base to catch the hitter/baserunner. This is one of the longest common fielding plays. Accuracy and speed is critical.



Successful third base players realize they don't have time to wait for the ball to come to them. When a ball is hit in the direction of third base, the 3rd base player moves to the ball. The quicker she can retrieve the ball, the better her chances of throwing the runner out at first. In addition, if she has more time to throw, her throw will probably be more accurate. Overthrowing 1st base is a coach's nightmare.

3rd Baseman's Responsibilities:

- cover bunts along the 3rd base line
- cover foul pop ups outside the 3rd base line
- cover 3rd base on most forced out plays
- back up return throws to the pitcher
- decide when to let a ball go foul and when to field a ball that could go foul along the 3rd base line
- catch shallow fly balls that are falling just behind third base (depending on where the 3rd base player is positioned when the ball is hit, this responsibility is shared with the short stop)