Second Base and Shortstop Play

The individual play and techniques of the second baseman and shortstop are so similar in performance and execution that they are placed together in these pages. These two infielders — known as the Keystone combination — work as a unit around the middle of the diamond and they are both expected to be equal in ability and agility.

There are basic differences in the fielding mobility and throwing strength of these two players. The shortstop, since he has more territory to cover, should be more adept at going to either side for ground balls. Also, because the throw from shortstop to first base is longer, his arm should be more powerful than that of his partner.

The second baseman, however, because of his proximity to first base, will be forced to make more plays of greater variety. More batters reach first base than any other, and the second baseman is closer to the play at first. He has to be alert to all situations developing around first base and must be ready to continually shift from one position on the field to another.

The second baseman usually has to play more slow rolling grounders than the shortstop. This is because there are more right-handed batters, and usually a batted ball hit toward second base by a right-handed hitter travels at a slower rate of speed than a ball hit toward shortstop. Thus the second baseman must have the ability to break in fast if he wants to field a slowly hit grounder in time to get the runner at first base.

The throwing motions, by both infielders, should be overhand whenever possible. The shortstop, because he fields more sharply-hit grounders, will use the overhand throwing motion to first base on just about every play. The second baseman, because he comes in on more slow rollers, will have to use both the sidearm and underhand motions, as well as the overhand throw.

Both fielders, naturally, are involved in starting more double plays at second base than any other infielder. Both start double plays by fielding a grounder and throwing to the partner who has moved over to cover second base; both serve as the pivot, or middle, man in the double play.

It is most important that both fielders know thoroughly their respective strengths and weaknesses when executing the double play. Each should especially keep in mind the strong points of his partner and make the most of them. For example, if the shortstop, when starting a double play, knows that his second baseman's arm is not too accurate or strong when pivoting on the throw to first base, the shortstop should make every effort to help overcome this weakness. He does this by throwing the ball to the throwing side of the second baseman and about at chest level. Thus the second baseman is already in throwing position upon catching the ball from the shortstop.

The shortstop usually starts more force-outs at second base than the second baseman. If there's a chance for the force-out to develop into a double play, he must make his pick-up and throw with no wasted motion. If there are two outs and a runner on first base, the shortstop, going for the force-out at second, should not hurry the play if he knows he has time to make it. He can then field the grounder in a normal manner and make certain of his throw to second base. He straightens up after fielding the grounder, and makes his throw with the motion that assures him the greatest accuracy. Some shortstops when throwing to second base make certain of their throw by lobbing the ball in an underhand motion. The underhand throw is highly recommended •when the shortstop has fielded the grounder very close to the base.

The shortstop has many more duties than fielding ground balls. He should back up the third baseman on all balls hit to that fielder. Some shortstops back up the third baseman by racing to the rear of that fielder. Others will move toward the third baseman and position themselves a few feet to the shortstop-side of the third baseman's gloved hand. This is because many sharply hit grounders which bounce off the third baseman's glove will veer toward the shortstop's side of the diamond. When this happens the shortstop is in perfect position to play the bounce off the third baseman's glove.

If he breaks to the right and back for a fly ball, he pivots off his left foot and steps out with his right. Reverse this if he has to break to his left.

The second baseman as well has to guard against short fly balls hit over his head and should be in a position to streak for foul flies hit over first base. He will handle more short pops in center field than the shortstop, especially those hit by a right-handed batter. With right-handers at the plate the second baseman moves a bit closer to the base, the shortstop moves a bit to the right to close up the open gap between him and the third baseman. Thus the second baseman is closer to short center field than the shortstop.

Both infielders back each other up on attempted steals. With a runner on first base and a right-handed hitter at the plate, the second baseman covers the bag on the steal attempt. The shortstop then races behind the second baseman to protect against an overthrow by the catcher or a muff of the throw by the second baseman. With a left-handed batter at the plate, the

shortstop covers the base and the second baseman is the backup man.

The shortstop fields a ground ball hit to his right by advancing on the ball in a semi-stooped position. The shortstop has moved to his right by stepping off first with his right foot. His glove is held low, ready to bring down to the ground to meet the roller. He may still have to move in a bit more if the ball has been hit slowly, but he should be certain of first getting as close to the ball as possible. Keep eyes on the ball at all times. Since there is to be a play at second base, the shortstop should keep in mind that he must try to get into that position which will allow him his best possible throwing motion.

The stop is made (right) just in front of his right foot. If he could have made the stop directly in front of him, the play would have been easier to execute. But ground balls take peculiar bounces and you can't expect every fielding play to be a simple one.

By keeping his left foot to the rear, and the upper part of his body bent at the waist, the shortstop is in good position to make an underhand or sidearm throw to second base. If there is to be a close play at second, the shortstop must make his throw with either of these two motions. Every second counts, and he may miss the out at second base by first straightening up to throw overhand.

The left foot extended backward (left) gives the shortstop the proper balance needed when making the stop. He has come to a full stop by bracing his right leg and is stopping the ball inside of his right instep. If he hadn't come to a stop, it's more than likely that he would have reached down for the ball and come up with nothing but embarrassment. When going to the right for grounders, the shortstop, or second baseman, whenever possible should try to come to a stop as he bends to make the pick-up of the grounder. Also, he must remember to make the pick-up before he gets off the throw. Inexperienced shortstops, faced with a close play at second base, have a tendency to throw the ball before they really have control of it. What happens? An error, everybody is safe and the pitcher is not too happy about the situation.

Here is a picture of the shortstop going to his right for a ground ball. He has pivoted off his left foot and stepped out with his right. He approaches the ball, upper part of the body parallel to the ground, the glove coming down on its way to pick up the ball. His right knee is closer to the ground only because he is in the act of bringing it forward to take the ball close to his right foot.

The stop is made (below, right) close to the right instep. There was no time for the shortstop to brace his right leg by digging the front of his right foot into the dirt. From this position he will be forced to make his throw to second base standing flat-footed. This shortstop is already getting his fingers into throwing position as he makes the stop. This is only recommended if the infielder is certain that he has firm control of the ball. Some inexperienced infielders do this before they really have the necessary possession. You already know what will happen in this case.

Two views of the shortstop (opposite, above) making the throw to second base. The front view shows the overhand throw with feet spread, left foot pointing slightly in the direction of second base. In this play the shortstop has sufficient time to straighten up and make the throw with an overhand motion. Also, perhaps this shortstop has the ability to snap to this position without any loss of time. Many shortstops can catch a grounder and make the throw all in one motion. Others have the ability to scoop up the grounder, come to an upright stance and throw overhand.

The rear view of No. 7 is the start of a sidearm throw from a different fielding position. No. 7 has his left foot turned almost completely toward second base. He is pivoting on his right instep as he's just about to release the ball. This shortstop may be making the throw sidearm because he has a shorter throw to make than the other shortstop who is throwing overhand.

A long view (right) of the shortstop and second baseman teaming up to make the force-out at second base. The shortstop has already cocked his arm for the throw and is about to release the ball. No. 5, the second baseman, is coming over to take the toss from the shortstop. It is not necessary for the shortstop to wait until the second baseman is anchored at the bag before throwing the ball to the target.

Gil McDougald shows how necessary it is for a shortstop, or second baseman, to come to a full stop when fielding a ball hit to the right.

McDougald, who can play third base, shortstop and second base, was at shortstop the day this grounder (above left) went skipping toward the hole between the third baseman and Gil. He sped to his right, his left hand turned outward, the palm of the glove facing the ball. Gil is in no position to think about proper technique in making this play, and must keep hustling until the ball pops into his glove.

As Gil is about to make the stop, his left foot is forward, his right lifted and ready to come forward because of the momentum of his quick dash.

The ball is taken by Gil (below left) as his right leg comes forward. His momentum carries him still further away from the play. His right foot has not hit the ground as yet, but when it does Gil will pull up sharply in a full stop. Why the full stop? Well, just try to throw a ball to first base — accurately and quickly — while in motion, going away from the direction of your throw. Making such a play —without coming to a stop — is in direct contradiction of the laws of gravity, and chances are not bright for its success.

Infielders should not come to a halt if the throw is made toward the direction in which they are running. For the best example of this type of play, watch a second baseman scramble for a grounder hit to his right with a runner on first base. He scoots to the right, makes his stop and pick-up while still in motion, then throws to the shortstop — who is in front of him and on second base — for the force-out. A second baseman who comes to a full stop on this type of play loses valuable time.

Gil comes to a full stop (above right) by pulling up short while his right leg is under his throwing arm. This movement is a natural one and is quite easily done. Just pull up short as your right foot strikes the ground. The right foot is used as a brake on this type of play.

The throw cannot be made until you have possession of the ball. McDougald has brought his glove up to his chest and is gripping the ball for the throw as his arms swing to the right preparatory to making the throw.

Away goes the throw (below right) to second base for the force-out. McDougald tosses in a sidearm motion on this play at second, and the throw is whipped across the middle of his body. If the throw was to go to first base, McDougald undoubtedly would have made it in an overhand motion. The overhand throw is preferred when it is to be long and to first base.

The play on these pages is common for a shortstop since he has more territory to cover than any other infielder. The experienced shortstop, knowing he has the widest range of territory to protect, can help himself by learning his strong points. This play to the right is most difficult, especially if the third baseman is pulled over to the left-field foul line. The shortstop, seeing a grounder headed for the third-short hole, must consider who is in the best position to make the play — the third baseman coming to his left, or the shortstop racing to his right?

The second baseman, when taking the shortstop's throw for a force-out at second, can tag the base in any number of ways. This usually depends upon individual preference. However, on a close play at second the second baseman must get to the bag by the quickest and shortest route.

This second baseman (above) straddles the bag as the runner (No. 5) starts his slide. The second baseman has plenty of time to kick the bag with either foot and then leap out of the way of the runner's spike.

This second baseman (right) takes the shortstop's throw for the force at second as his right foot comes down on the bag. The second baseman was racing to the bag as the shortstop made the stop and threw to his target.

Some second basemen will not step on top of the bag for the force-out since this is not the shortest route to the bag. Most will kick the outfield side of the bag, or that side of the bag closest to the second baseman's foot.

Nothing can bolster a pitcher's spirits more than a double play that keeps him out of a jam. Sometimes the pitcher himself can help his own cause by originating the double play. When he does — with the shortstop or second baseman acting as the middle man, the infielder taking the throw is facing the diamond at all times. On a shortstop-second baseman double-play attempt, the body of the middle man is usually turned away from the diamond, thus making the tag of the base and the throw to first base a bit

more difficult.

Here is the middle part of a double play (left) which was started by the pitcher who threw to second base for the force-out.

The second baseman takes the throw while straddling the bag. He kicks the bag with his inside foot at the same time that he gets off the throw (below) to complete the double play. The experienced middle man doesn't permit the incoming runner to upset his timing. No. 22, although bearing down on the pivot man, will arrive much too late to prevent the throw to first base.

A fine overhand throw (opposite, below) is going toward target as the runner starts a straight-in slide. Although the in-fielder appears to have completed a simple play, there are certain basic techniques both the pitcher and the middle perform before starting a double play of this type.

The pitcher, after fielding the ground ball, wheels around and faces second base. He should not throw unless he's certain that the second baseman or shortstop can get over to the bag in time. Usually the second baseman will cover the bag if a right-handed hitter is at the plate. The throw should be chest-high so that the middle man on receiving the throw, wastes little time in getting the peg away to first base.

Wherever possible, the middle man should try to take the throw while standing in a straddle position over the bag, just as this infielder.

Clever base-runners, when they have the opportunity, will try to prevent the middle man from completing the double play. There is nothing illegal in knocking the infielder off balance, as long as any part of the fielder's body is in the base-line. No. 22 tries to do just that (above) by raising his right leg in an attempt to make shin-to-shin contact with the middle man. His attempt was not successful only because the infielder leaped adroitly in the air, thus getting clear of the runner's upraised leg.

There are several ways the second baseman and shortstop make the pivot at second base when acting as middle man in a double-play attempt. Just which technique the pivot man uses depends upon the direction of the throw from his keystone partner, the closeness of the play, and the individual skills of the pivot man.

These two pages show how the shortstop and second baseman get together for a double play with the latter acting as middle man or pivot man.

To start any double play that involves the keystone combination, one of the two must field cleanly a ground ball and first make the play at second base.

The shortstop who picked up the grounder close to second base in this play, is only five feet from second base (left) as he assumes the throwing motion. He correctly assumes the underhand motion since he has better control of the ball and it will be easier for the second baseman, already waiting on the bag, to catch the ball.

Too many young shortstops fail to get the double play into motion, due to their inability to make the correct throw. Some will insist upon throwing overhand to second base, although only a few feet from the pivot man. The overhand throw, in this situation, is difficult to control and equally difficult to catch. The best and safest throw when but a few feet away from the pivot man, is this underhand toss, thrown toward the fielder's chest and with as little arc as possible. The shortstop should keep his throwing hand in front of his body so that the second baseman will have no trouble following the flight of the ball.

The second baseman (opposite page, below) has taken the shortstop's throw, his right foot planted on the outfield side of the bag, his left foot on the outfield side of second base. This is known as the "backing off." type of second-base pivot, only the second baseman is not in the best of positions to back off and away from the sliding base-runner.

The sidearm throw to first base (below) is about to be made as the runner comes directly toward the second baseman's exposed left leg. What happened here is that the pivot man didn't push back with his right foot toward right field before making his throw. He also kept his left foot too close to the bag and a clever base-runner would have no problem in upsetting the second baseman.

Here is one o£ those double plays in which everything must break perfectly for the fielding team if it expects to register two outs on a tricky ground ball. Kansas City, the fielding team, turned in a sparkling double play despite so many factors which ordinarily would prevent it.

There were runners on first and second base when the Athletics' shortstop (No. 2) suddenly lunged for a grounder that bounced weirdly to his right (above left). The runner hurrying on to third base failed to bother the shortstop shown making the back-handed stop in front of his right foot.

The shortstop, because of the peculiar bounce of the grounder, was unable to come to a sudden stop on his right foot, and his momentum carried his left foot another step away from second base (middle) as he looked toward second base and prepared to throw to the pivot man.

The second baseman, already on the bag (below left), was facing shortstop as he took the throw with the runner from first base (No. 34) coming at full steam. Look closely and you will see the left foot of the second baseman on the outfield side of the bag. His pivot foot is hidden, but it is also touching the outfield side of the bag.

Pivot, ball and runner are very much in evidence (opposite page) as the second baseman gets off his throw to first base.

Right here is where the double play is made or muffed. That runner barreling in with the side of his body could

have upset the pivot man. The throw could have been late in getting away, and also wide of its first base target. But the second baseman — all in the same motion — touched the bag, pivoted, backed off, got the throw away and avoided the runner. A good play all around.

Second basemen will also have to make their pivot on that side of the base which faces left field. Again, just how a second baseman makes the pivot depends upon the throw from the shortstop, the closeness of the play at second and the individual abilities of the second baseman.

This pivot man (below) has moved over to the left-field side o£ the bag and will either back off and away from the bag or continue moving forward and toward the mound side of second. He takes the throw facing the shortstop, the side of his body in line with first base. Now he has his choice of pivots to make: Bring the right foot forward and continue toward the mound side of second, or hop to the rear, his right foot to the rear of his left, and make the pivot and throw from the left-field side.

The second baseman decides to make his pivot on the mound side of second (right) by turning his body toward first base as he brings his right foot over the left. By making this pivot he has shaken clear of the base-line and away from the runner coming down from first base.

To complete the force-out at second, the pivot man must not be running as he takes the pivot. That is, he must get to the bag and set for the throw (as above). Always make certain of the "front man," the runner coming down from first base. Once he's disposed of, then make the pivot and throw.

Now we introduce Red Schoendienst (opposite page, above) as the pivot man who has already moved toward the mound side of second. You can see how he has removed himself from the danger of contact with the runner (No. 8) who seems to be out by such a wide margin that he never bothered to slide.

Another good action of Schoendienst spinning toward the mound side of second. This play was much closer and Red barely got out of the way of the slider (below). Pivot men must try to mix their types of pivots. The keystone fielder who habitually makes just one type of pivot will regret it because the runner will become familiar with it and will know just how to "take out" the pivot man.

The second baseman's pivot on the mound side of second as his right foot brushes the infield side of the bag (above). The second baseman took the shortstop's throw with his pivot foot on the bag. Coaches prefer to have their second baseman touch the outfield side of the bag on this type of pivot because the pivot man is then a step farther from the base-runner. However, if you find it easier to pivot off the inside part of the bag, do it that way.

Right foot drawn away (below), the second baseman works his way toward the mound and away from the slider as he assumes his throwing position. If you can make the pivot in this manner, it is done quickly and with no time lost in execution. The trick here is to throw after taking the right foot off the bag. Try to place your front (left) foot a bit farther to your right so that your body will be in better throwing position once you get ready to release the ball.

The Yankee shortstop (above) is in the backing-off pivot position as he cocks his arm for the peg to first. His left toe is barely in contact with the bag as his body is on the outfield side, safely away from No. 19 who has no chance to send the shortstop sprawling. The shortstop has his right instep dug into the ground, giving him proper body control.

A fast-moving second baseman glides far away from the base-runner (right) in this pivot and throw to first base in a DP attempt. This is a mound-side-of-second pivot and it must be done quickly. Just before making the throw he brushed the back of the bag with his right foot and scooted way over into the mound side of the bag.

Another standard pivot by the shortstop is going across the base and on over to the right-field side of the diamond, as this shortstop (opposite page, above). It is always easier for the shortstop to serve as the middle man because he's moving toward first base as he makes the play.

The shortstop (opposite page, below) has moved away from the bag and over to the right-field side of second. Since receiving the ball he has taken three steps: starting with a push-off on the right foot.

Since the base-runner seems to be coming into the bag on the outside side, the shortstop draws his right foot backwards as he starts to get clear.

The runner hits the dirt (above), outside leg lifted high in an attempt to upset the shortstop and prevent his throw to first. The shortstop, however, has skipped beyond the base path area and is free from the base-runner. This type of pivot — across the base to right field — is safe and quite simple to execute, even for the inexperienced shortstop. Just remember to take the throw with the right foot on the bag, push off and continue on to the right-field side of the base to avoid the runner.

The shortstop also makes a standard pivot by going across the mound side of second.

The start of such a play develops (left) as the shortstop races over from his position to make the force-out at second base. This throw isn't too accurate because it is much too far from the shortstop's body, causing him to lunge toward the right-field side of the bag. Right here is where the possible double play can explode in the face of the fielding team, especially if the shortstop tries to make his pivot before catching the throw from his second baseman.

The shortstop now steps in the direction of the mound with his right foot (below) as he gets his left foot away from the bag. The slider has no opportunity to get close to the pivot man because he's drifting away from the bag and from the direction of the base-runner's slide.

On the mound side of second base (below), the shortstop has a clear throw to the bag, as the runner arrives too late at second base.

Baseball technicians will not call this the ideal pivot by the shortstop who is going to make the play by the mound side of second. Their main objection will be the lunge the shortstop was forced to make in an attempt to grab the second baseman's throw at the bag. From this position it seems hardly reasonable to assume that the shortstop can get off the base fast enough, hop to the mound side of second base, and still make his throw to first in time to complete the double play. If this play blows up, the second baseman is the guilty party.

The shortstop, if he can avoid it, should not place his left foot on top of the bag when taking the throw. Whenever possible the shortstop should attempt to keep his left foot to the outfield side of the bag, or just brush it with his left foot when tagging the bag.

Correct position for the second baseman (right) who gets to the bag in plenty of time to receive the throw from the shortstop. He faces the shortstop, glove held chest-high in order to give the shortstop a target and cut down on his own throwing motion. The outside edge of his left foot is just touching the bag and he can now move to the right, or backing-off position when making his pivot. There is no other pivot move he should make from this stance but the backing-off pivot.

It won't be necessary for him to leap and flip, since he's in back of the bag and away from the spikes of the incoming base-runner; he shouldn't make the pivot on the mound side of second because the right foot should be the pivot on this type of play; and he shouldn't continue beyond the base and on the left-field side because he would then be taking unnecessary steps before getting off his throw.

Back he steps (left), pushing, or backing off with his left leg. The base-runner is helpless. He has already been forced at second when the second baseman took the throw, and he is much too far away to do anything about preventing the throw to first by the pivot man.

For the second baseman who finds it difficult to make the double play pivot, this backing-off type is recommended. There are fewer steps involved in this type of pivot, and the slow-footed second baseman is better off to concentrate on this maneuver than the others which involve quick leaps and quick foot movements.

Very rarely does a second baseman back off (below) this far from the bag. If he did he would be taking needless steps, thus cutting down on his chances of completing the double play.

The back-off pivot by the second baseman is not complicated. He hits the bag with his left foot, right foot on the outfield side of second. He can then swing his left foot around, place his weight on his right foot and then peg to first base. Naturally much depends on just how fast the second baseman can get over to cover the bag. Even on a close play when the dash to second, the tag of the bag, the pivot and the throw to first must be made with no lost motion, the back-off pivot is still the simplest play for the second baseman. Again, here is what he does: Gets over to the bag while facing the shortstop; takes throw with left foot on base; steps back to the outfield with the right foot and makes the throw to first base.

No other infielders are forced to make as many tags on base-runners as the shortstop and second baseman. Most tag plays are made at second base on steal attempts, and efforts to stretch a single into a double. One would-be bag-stealer is about to expire only because the Athletics' shortstop (above) already has the ball in his glove following a perfect low peg from his catcher, and is waiting to snap his glove down on the slider's left ankle.

There is a definite art in making the tag of a base-runner. Many coaches insist that their infielders do not permit the runner to slide into the waiting glove since the runner's foot can easily dislodge the ball. The accepted tag technique by an infielder on a runner attempting to steal is the so-called "sweep" method. When ball and runner arrive together, sweep the glove down across the slider's foot, or ankle, and then sweep the glove up again. This tagging motion is not merely an up-and-down movement but just what it indicates —a sweep. The sweeping tag is done in circular motion: down across the front foot of the slider, up with the glove, the glove moving in an arc.

The tag is applied differently when the infielder already has the ball and is waiting to put it on the sliding runner. Although major-leaguers constantly violate the accepted techniques, managers and coaches preach that their infielders do not plant their glove directly in line with the sliding runner. "Hold it (the glove) to one side," they caution their infielders· "Then snap it down as the slider's foot strikes for the bag."

Now take a look (below) at the Athletics' shortstop, who has the ball in his glove. He seems to be violating the "sweep" or "snap" tag and is keeping his glove planted between the bag and the attempted slider. Purists will insist this is an incorrect technique.. But if the shortstop has his glove folded firmly around the ball, ball deep in the pocket, just what can the runner actually do to avoid this "planted" tag? If the infielder

brings his glove up and away after making the tag, the runner is a goner.

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