Team Defense

During the course of a game the fielding team will be forced to make plays which require perfect timing, coordination and cooperation. We are not referring to the basic fielding plays, such as a routine grounder thrown to first base for a put-out, or a fly ball caught by an outfielder, but to those plays which involve a fielder other than the first baseman making the put-out at first base; the run-down of a runner trapped between bases; the responsibility of all the infielders in various bunt situations; the alignment of the infielders when there are runners on base.

Illustrations of the pitcher as a fielder and several bunt situations are covered in the following pages. There are many general team defenses which are difficult to illustrate, two of which are run-down and cut-off plays. (Some of these are covered in the chapter on Play Situations.)

Run-down Plays. — The run-down of a runner may involve as many as four fielders. Let's assume the runner on first base is suddenly picked off and he starts running between first and second.

The pitcher throws to first base but the runner is halfway between first and second. The first baseman starts to chase the runner toward second. The pitcher should now immediately get over to first base to cover the bag, and the second baseman should get in back of the shortstop to back up the shortstop, who is playing catch with the first baseman in an attempt to tag the runner. Thus there are four fielders involved in this type of run-down. In any run-down always attempt to chase the runner back to the base furthest from home plate.

A run-down between second and third base might involve the shortstop and second baseman at second base, the third baseman and the pitcher, or catcher, at third base. If the catcher is in the play the pitcher, or first baseman, should cover home plate.

Cut-off Plays. — Cut-off plays (throws from the outfield which are intercepted by an infielder) are an especially important phase of general team defense.

Many situations arise when the batter, with a runner on second, drives a single to the outfield. Anticipating a close play at the plate, the outfielder throws home. Although many coaches have different ideas on their defensive alignment in such a situation, here is a good one to follow.

Move the first baseman into the middle of the infield to serve as the cut-off man on throws from the center-fielder or right-fielder. Station him in the direct line of the throw from the outfielder to the plate. The pitcher backs up the catcher at the plate; move the second baseman to cover first base.

As the throw comes in the catcher should yell to the first baseman (or third baseman), telling him whether there's a chance to make the out at the plate. If there is a chance, the first baseman lets the throw go through to the catcher. If not, the first baseman then cuts off the throw and holds the batter-runner at first base, or pegs to second if the batter-runner attempts to take an extra base. This is sharp, smart defensive team play and can help win many ball games.

Most school coaches are aware that the winning team is the one that "gives away" the fewest runs. Inexperienced school players make many mechanical and fielding mistakes only because they are still in the process of learning and developing. Coaches, however, all agree that the school team which gives away the fewest runs will eventually win a majority of its games.

A different type of cut-off is used when the batter hits safely to the outfield with a runner on first base. The runner, naturally, will try to race around to third base. If the outfielder's throw is allowed to go into that base with no attempt to cut it off, the batter may continue into second base. To protect against this, put the cut-off defense to work.

In this type of defense the shortstop is the logical cut-off man. Immediately after the ball is hit the pitcher should race to the rear of third base, in position to back up a muff or a wild throw. The shortstop stations himself in the line of the throw to third base and makes his play on vocal instructions from the third baseman. Cut-off, or let the throw through. But the shortstop must be told what to do since he can't see in back of his head. So you can see how important defensive cooperation is if you expect to win games.

Pitcher Covers First Base. — The pitcher (below) must get over to cover first base when the first baseman is fielding a ground ball. Some grounders may be hit so sharply to the first baseman that he has time to make the play himself. However, no pitcher should stand still on any ball hit to his left. The pitcher should instinctively move toward first base on any ball hit to the right side of the diamond. Even if it's a routine grounder to second base, get off that mound. Maybe the first baseman will trip on his way to cover the bag.

This pitcher knows that he will have to take the throw at first base for the out. He has left the mound and headed for first base, his eyes on the first baseman who has the ball in throwing position.

The underhand toss is recommended on all short throws and the first baseman must not wait until the pitcher gets to the bag before making his throw.

The throw from the first baseman should be released before the pitcher gets to the base. Lead the pitcher with the throw. Time the throw so that the ball gets to the pitcher when he's about one or two strides from the base. This will allow him time to locate the base with his foot.

The pitcher (above) has taken the throw as he steps on the base. This pitcher, although touching the inside top of the bag, has lost a precious half-step by not touching the inside edge of the bag with the right side of his foot.

The first baseman shows how the body is brought forward, as well as the arm, following release of the ball. The pitcher, after making the tag, should not continue running. Come to a stop, and shove off toward the infield on the right foot. He is then in position to make a throw if there is another base-runner.

With a runner on first, the pitcher must also cover second when both the shortstop and second baseman drop back for a fly ball. The same holds true when, with a runner on second, both the shortstop and third baseman drop back for a fly ball. Third base must then be covered.

Not all first baseman-pitcher plays are routine. You sometimes see both players forced to turn in spectacular efforts if a put-out is to be registered. Such a play occurred when the San Francisco Giant first baseman (opposite page) dashed to his left and in to get a slow roller. He paid scant attention to the technique of picking the ball up with both hands, snatched at it with his bare hand while on the move away from first base.

The Giant pitcher streaks to cover first base as the ball (above) has already been released. How did the first baseman get the ball away? He whipped it in an underhand motion, throwing as best as possible to that spot over first base where he hopes the pitcher eventually will be. What about the throw leading the pitcher by one or two strides? The first baseman was in no position to worry about this. He was throwing from the side and to the rear, a most difficult play.

Taking long strides, the pitcher (middle) seems to be in good position to beat the runner to the base, if the throw is true. The pitcher starts to stick his glove out and reach for the ball as he comes within three strides of the bag.

Catch is made as the right edge of the pitcher's foot (below) makes contact with the bag. This play misfired on one count: The runner was too fast and beat the throw. Also you can say the throw was a trifle high. But considering the position from which the first baseman threw and the fact that the pitcher wasn't pulled away from the bag by the throw, its height can be overlooked.

This was a good play, but let's look at it again. No matter how it was played, it's evident that the runner would have been safe. However, was the first baseman a bit hasty in making his throw from such a difficult position? Possibly. The safest way, perhaps, would have been for the first baseman to pivot more in the direction of the base before releasing the ball.

Bunt Defense. — The defensive alignment for an anticipated bunt is always interesting to watch. There is no set pattern as to how the infield will decide to position itself. Much depends upon the score, the number of base-runners, the hunter's ability and the strength of the following hitter.

The trend in the major leagues seems to be to "surround" the sacrifice bunter, especially if he's not very good as a hitter. Let's say the offensive team has a man on first, none out, score tied in any of the last three innings. The pitcher is now at bat, a very weak hitter, but a successful sacrifice will push the potential lead run into scoring position. Everybody knows the pitcher is going to bunt, and the defense sets itself for the play. But it sets itself for the sacrifice by "surrounding" the batter.

On the pitch, both the third baseman and the first baseman break down the line toward the plate and almost get within touching distance of the batter. This makes the batter's bunting task that more difficult. Is this a good way to prevent the batter from sacrificing? It's not recommended for players of school age.

Young players should stick to basic techniques. The major-leaguers can do many things "against the book" only because they have talent and superior know-how, acquired after many years of playing.

The bunt (opposite page) was not unexpected and from the batter's grip we see that he bunted to sacrifice the runner to second. There was only a runner on first when this sacrifice was made.

The catcher signalled for a high pitch since it's more difficult for a batter to successfully bunt this type of pitch. Contact with the ball was made just below face level, an ideal height for the pitcher to aim a pitch on an anticipated sacrifice attempt.

As the ball (opposite page) skipped into the diamond, the catcher's bare hand instinctively was raised to the chin strap of his mask, ready to yank it off if he is forced to field the bunt.

The pitcher never stands still after delivering the ball in a possible bunt situation. This is the normal positioning of the infield with a runner on first and a bunt anticipated.

The third baseman breaks toward the plate, just about halfway between the plate and third base. He moves slightly to his left as he breaks in, but shouldn't stray too far from the foul line.

The pitcher comes down from the mound and toward the plate, and the first baseman also moves toward the plate but on the pitcher's side of the infield.

The shortstop and second baseman must cover the bases, the shortstop on second base, the second baseman on first base. The catcher, who has the play in front of him, shouts instructions as to who should field the ball and what base it should be thrown to.

The left-handed pitcher (page 187) is in perfect position to field the bunt but did not have time to make a play on the "front" runner, the runner going to second base. He then threw on to first base (page 187) where the second baseman was already on the bag to make the put-out.

The infield played this bunt "according to the book," satisfied to get the put-out and permit the base-runner to advance to second.

However, different bunt situations demand different infield alignments. With a base-runner on second and a bunt in order, the third baseman cannot move in too far to play the bunter. It's possible he may have to get back in order to take a throw at the bag if there's a chance to catch the runner coming into third. With runners on first and second base, the pitcher should move toward the third-base side of the mound after delivering the pitch, giving him a better chance to try for the force-out at third base if he fields the bunt in time.

Another bunt play (sequence, left) which misfired only because the bunt came back too quickly. The first baseman was too alert and the shortstop was where he was supposed to be.

The pitch is bunted (above) at about shoulder height. Notice that the catcher is in an almost upright position, ready to dash in front of the plate to cover the bunt.

No. 5 (middle) was right in the path of the bunt. Now you see one of the advantages of the left-handed first baseman.

The first baseman does a half-pivot on his right foot and faces in direction of the second base. The play is now in front of him and it is his decision to make as to whether to try for the front runner or make the put-out at first base. Since the first baseman already had the ball in plenty of time it is not necessary for him to check both first and second bases. However, it is always safer to make the put-out at first.

The shortstop waits on the throw (opposite page below) as No. 26 races toward second base. His left foot is on top of the bag, and here it makes no difference whether the foot touches the inside or the top of the bag. Fast footwork is not necessary here and there is no split-second saving of time.

Out at second (above) as the shortstop flies away from the runner and toward the pitcher's side of the infield, ball grasped in both hands. He has done the right thing —made certain of the put-out at second.

Some school shortstops making this type of play may have the double play on their mind. This is wrong because the first baseman's throw was away from the shortstop's body and he was forced to lean toward the first-base side to make the catch. Attempting to make the double play here could easily result in an error and even the loss of the put-out at second base.

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