Chapter 15. Defending Against the Base Hit

When a runner is on 1st and a batter hits a single to right field the defensive unit swings to the positions diagrammed in Fig. 42. The centerfielder naturally moves to his left to help the right fielder either by backing up, or by calling the play for the base hit. The left fielder moves in, to back up a possible throw to 2nd. The third baseman covers 3rd with the shortstop some 15 to 20 feet in front of him and in a direct line with the right fielder. The second baseman covers 2nd, the first baseman takes a cut-off position some 15 to 20 feet in front of the catcher but in a direct line with the right fielder. The pitcher, as soon as the ball is base hit, runs to a spot at least 15 feet behind 3rd and in a direct line with the third baseman and the right fielder.

Fig. 42

Defending against single to RF with runner on 1st. Outfielder's throw should go to 3rd, or 2nd, depending on how quickly he handles hit. Note that defensive players are in position to back up both bases; that first baseman and shortstop are in cut-off positions.

Once in position, this is what can happen:

If the base hit is fielded cleanly and fast by the right fielder, he should fire at the shortstop's head. If the lead runner stops at 2nd, the ball is "one base ahead", as it should be. The shortstop, by the way, should cut the ball off.

Should the runner try to go to 3rd, the third baseman should yell "let it go" if the ball is on line and has a chance to beat the runner. If off line, or late, he yells "cut"! The shortstop catches the ball and throws to 2nd if the batter is headed there, holds it if he isn't. (You are successful if you hold a runner to 3rd and 1st-better if you hold runners to 2nd and 1st).

If the base hit to right field is soft and fielded slowly, the runner on 1st will have no trouble going to 3rd. The outfielder's throw will then go to 2nd to hold the batter on 1st. After catching the ball, the second baseman brings it to the mound.

Now, by putting the words and the diagram together, you can see that the defense is in good position to both make the play for the out, hold runners to the minimum number of bases and recover bad throws.

Fig. 43

Single to LF with runner on 1st. Throw can go to 2nd or 3rd.

The same defense applies when the ball is singled to center, or left field.

Single with Runner on 2nd

When a batter singles with a runner on 2nd, the runner will either try to score or stop at 3rd. The batter will either stop at 1st, or try to go to 2nd, depending on what develops after the ball is picked up by the outfielder.

Fig. 44

Single to RF with runner on 2nd. Throw goes Home or to 2nd. Some possible defensive moves not shown, however. If ball hit slowly to RF, for example, shortstop might cover 2nd with second baseman playing position as though bases were unoccupied. This diagram assumes ball hit fairly hard.

Take a look at Figure 45.

As you can see, the left fielder moves to back up 2nd as center aids man in right, the third baseman covers 3rd, the second baseman 2nd. The first baseman takes the cut-off position, the pitcher circles to the catcher's left to back up (to the right for any potential base hit to the left). The Shortstop first backs up a possible throw from right field to 2nd. If the ball goes to the plate, he adjusts to back up a possible throw to 2nd from the first baseman at the cut-off position.

Fig. 45

Single to LF with runner on 2nd. If throw is to plate, 1st baseman is in cut off position with pitcher backing up. If ball is cut off, throw goes to shortstop covering 2nd, with second baseman backing up.

Here's what may happen: If the runner is trying to score and the outfielder fields the ball well, he will try to throw to the plate. If the ball is on line and ahead of the runner, the catcher calls for it. If late and off line, the first baseman cuts it. If the batter tries to go to 2nd, he'll be a dead duck on the first baseman's throw to 2nd. If he doesn't try to go to 2nd, the first baseman can carry the ball to the mound.

If the runner is clearly going to score, the right fielder throws to 2nd.

With Runners on 1st and 2nd

The defense moves as it does with only 1st occupied-with one exception; the pitcher runs to a spot halfway between 3rd and Home. (See Fig. 46.) He then can move "to the play". If the outfield throws to 3rd, he can back up 3rd; if to Home, he can back up Home.

The outfielder, of course, has an additional option. If he's playing left or centerfield, he may ignore the runner trying to score from 2nd and try for the one going from 1st to 3rd. If both runners can easily advance two bases (2nd to Home and 1st to 3rd), the outfielder throws to 2nd to hold the batter at 1st. Whatever happens, the fielding unit is in a good position to defend and adjust.

When the bases are loaded and the batter singles, the defense ignores the man on 3rd-as he will score easily-and plays the ball as though only 1st and 2nd were occupied.

Fig. 46

Single to RF with runners on 1st and 2nd. Throw can go to Home, 3rd or 2nd. If defense moves as indicated, cut off plays are made possible at Home arid 3rd and each base can be backed up by pitcher.

Extra Base Hits

In figures 47 & 48 you will see diagrammed defense for an extra base hit to right. The second baseman is out for the relay, shortstop takes 2nd, third baseman 3rd. If it looks like a triple, or double, the pitcher backs up 3rd, the left fielder 2nd.-Hie first baseman is in the cut-off position infront of the plate in case the runner tries to go all the way.

On extra base hits to left, the shortstop goes out for the relay, the second baseman takes 2nd, the pitcher again backs up 3rd (or home), while the right fielder protects against overthrows of 2nd.

Fig. 47

Extra base hit to RF. Relay man, on taking ball from outfielder, can throw Home, 3rd, or 2nd and each base can be backed up.

Fig. 48

Extra base hit to LF.