Chapter - 03

Play Situations

There are so many different play positions and strategies that occur in this wonderful and complicated game of baseball that it would take almost two full volumes to illustrate and explain each of them so that they may be fully understood by the player of school age.

Experience is the most valuable teacher for a player. The more games in which he plays, the more familiar he will become with many of the situations which come up inning by inning. No two games are alike and there are problems to solve, adjustments to make for both player and manager, or coach. Even one pitch, a ball or a strike, can often change the complexion of a game. A decision by a coach may turn out to be a good one in Thursday's game. On Friday, the same decision may very well blow up in his face.

Have patience with your teammates, listen to your coach. All players do not have the same mental reflexes, and where you may size up a situation properly and quickly, your teammate may be a trifle backward in arriving at the same solution. Your coach, of course, knows more than you. Listen to him. He will feel that he has done his job if he believes you have learned something from him.

1. Pitcher

2. Catcher

3. First Base

4. Second Base

5. Third Base

6. Shortstop

7. Left Field

8. Center Field

9. Right Field

The bases are empty and there is a menacing, long-ball hitting right-hander at the plate. The right-handed pitcher attempts to pitch away from the hitter's power zone, chest-high, but not every pitcher can always throw to the spot he is aiming for. Even the best of pitchers must make mistakes. That is why home runs are hit, that is why pitchers get roughed up and finally knocked out of the box.

The pitcher comes in with a blistering fast ball but gets it just where the batter wants it — chest-high and a trifle outside. The bat whips around and the ball is propelled deep into left field. Fortunately the left-fielder is playing the batter in his "power-area" and doesn't have too far to gallop before catching up with the skipping drive.

The batter now becomes a runner and knows that he will get at least two bases, and maybe three, on his smash. The defense starts to form as the left-fielder chases down the drive. The shortstop drops back into short left field, getting into position to take the throw from the left-fielder who has moved back and away from the diamond.

The second baseman moves over in front of his base where he can watch the left-fielder, the shortstop and the runner and tell the shortstop what to do once he receives the throw.

The third baseman straddles the base, ready to make a play at his station if the runner decides to go for a triple. The pitcher and first baseman should also get in motion on this type of situation. The pitcher moves over into the foul area directly behind the third baseman so that he protects against a wild throw or a muff of the throw by the third baseman. The first baseman moves over to the third-base line, getting in position to take an unnecessary throw that may go through to the plate.

As the runner steams into second base the shortstop catches the throw from the left-fielder. Since the shortstop's back is toward the play he can't see what is happening. Here is where the second baseman becomes his "eyes" by shouting directions to the shortstop. If there is a chance to nail the runner at second, he will tell the shortstop to throw to that base where he is in position to take the toss. If the runner is heading toward third, he will tell the shortstop to peg to the third baseman.

There is nothing complicated about shaping the defense on this type of play. There is only one runner to worry about. If the second baseman does his job by letting the shortstop know what to do with the ball, the play may not result in a put-out but it will be accomplished properly and efficiently.

That same long-ball hitting right-hander is at the plate again. This time the pitcher — the same fellow who threw to the batter's power zone in Play No. 1 — is insistent about pitching "away" from the batter. He throws him outside because he now knows the batter has unusually good power on any pitch he can hit to left field.

The batter looks at three pitches — all curve balls — and the count is one ball and two strikes. Now starts the thinking bout between hitter and pitcher. The hitter reasons that the pitcher will continue to throw outside because he (the pitcher) can afford to miss the strike zone now that he is ahead in the ball-and-strike count.

Sure enough the pitcher lets loose another curve — hoping it will get over a corner of the plate —but the batter already has shifted his feet in order to hit it to right field. He snaps his bat at the pitch and raps it into right field, far and away. Since the right-fielder is playing way over into right-center for this left-field pull-hitter, it seems certain that he'll wind up with a triple, or maybe a home run.

The defense immediately snaps into action.

The right-fielder goes back and to his left to snare the bouncing ball. The second baseman dashes out to short right field to take the relay throw as the short-stop moves toward second base, ready to tell the second baseman what to do once he catches the relay.

The third baseman anchors at his base. The pitcher, or left-fielder, runs in back of third base to back up the possible throw there. The first baseman can move between third base and home plate or back up the catcher.

Now the throw comes to the second baseman from the right-fielder, fired on the fly. If the runner is heading for third base, the shortstop will instruct the second baseman to peg there. If the runner is heading home, the instructions will be to toss to the plate. The throw to either base, if not too long, should be made on the fly.

By all means, the right-fielder, after picking up the ball, should not attempt to throw directly to third base or the plate. If he has gone back rather deep to retrieve the wallop, the throw will be much too long to make, especially for the outfielder of school age.

Although he doesn't handle the ball, the shortstop is the key man in this play. He must size up the situation in a hurry. Throw to third base? Throw to the plate? He may even tell the second baseman to hold the ball, especially if the runner is already sliding into third base and there's no chance to get him. In that event, the second baseman should turn and run into the infield with the ball.

No play in baseball is as simple as it looks. Remember that and you will make fewer mistakes than the player who takes the easy play for granted. To play the game well and properly there must be a logical reason for every move, every step, every throw.

Let us examine this play. This is a simple pop fly, nothing else, and it should be turned into an out. Of course there is always the possibility of two in-fielders fighting each other for the opportunity to catch the ball. So they collide and the ball falls untouched. There is also the slim possibility that an infielder, standing alone and with his teammates shouting encouragement, will drop the ball. That is why baseball is such an unpredictable and exciting sport. The inevitable will always crop up if you don't stay on your toes — and on the ball.

Okay, let us see what happens when the batter, fooled by a change-up pitch, swings under the ball and lifts a pop to the left side of the infield.

Who is going to make the catch? The ball is hit high enough for even the first baseman to come over to nab the pop so there doesn't seem to be much of a problem for any of the infielders to camp under the high pop.

The pitcher, whenever possible, should not catch one of these pops. There's always the danger that he will trip while moving around the mound. He may also stick one of his pitching fingers into the ball while reaching up for the catch. Coaches like to have their pitchers stay away from pop-ups, unless, of course, they come straight at him and there's no time for another infielder to make the catch.

Since the ball is descending in front of both the shortstop and third baseman, one of these two will make the catch. Position play is important here. If the batter is a left-handed hitter it is reasonable to assume that the third baseman, playing over to his left, is closer to the pop. Then he should make the catch with the shortstop letting him know "it's all yours." Conversely, if a right-handed hitter has lifted this pop-up, the third baseman would be closer to the foul line and the shortstop would then be closer to the ball. Then the shortstop should make the catch. However, either infielder is in easy position to make the catch. The important point is that one or the other should make the catch, with the pitcher or the catcher shouting to one of the two infielders, informing him just who should make the catch.

The other infielders are not to stand and watch the play. The first baseman should drift over to his position and the second baseman should move over to his bag. The ball can always be dropped and the first and second baseman will then be in proper position to make a play if the batter-runner rounds first base while the ball is being mishandled.

The defense never rests. A defensive team that permits only the players involved to complete a play is not doing a job. The heads-up defensive team will never allow the routine play to be made by not preparing for an error of execution.

There is nothing more routine than the ground ball hit to the shortstop. A nice, medium-hit grounder to a sure-fielding shortstop with the bases clear shapes up as an obvious out. But is it always? The smart defensive club does not take it for granted. It makes its moves to help the shortstop, making the stop of the grounder, and the first baseman, taking the throw, if they need it.

The ball comes skipping toward the shortstop. He moves in one step in order to get into throwing position. But the other fielders are also moving at the same time.

The left-fielder races in from his post to protect against the possibility of a clean muff of the grounder by the shortstop or a bad hop at the last moment. This hop may skip by the shortstop and into the outfield. The center-fielder, too, keeps on his toes. He moves toward the play, preparing for the possibility of the bad hop that may bounce weirdly over into his territory.

The pitcher follows the path of the grounder. Who knows but that the ball may bounce off the shortstop's body and carom toward the pitcher. These things do happen and the pitcher might as well be ready. The second baseman gets over in front of his base to be there in the case the ball hops off some part of the shortstop's body or glove. The first baseman, of course, waits on the throw which is to come after the shortstop makes the pick-up, and the right-fielder ambles into short right field to cover any throw which is wild enough by the shortstop to come his way.

The catcher doesn't stay on his haunches and watch the shortstop make his play. He should follow the batter-runner toward first base, always anticipating a bad throw by the shortstop or a muff by the first baseman of the throw. When one of these two possibilities occurs, the catcher is then in the right place if he's in the vicinity of first base. Many a catcher has kept the batter-runner from taking an extra base just because he knew how to hustle down on such a play.

A team can be considered well-coached if it makes all these moves on what looks like a routine play.

Nothing can make a defensive team look as bad as a short, drooping fly ball that is too far in for an outfielder to reach and too far out for an infielder to grab. You can almost hear the infielders and outfielders stretch and strain as they attempt to reach one of these tantalizing-ly soft flies which causes a mass movement by infield and outfield. Many of them are catchable. Those that are not, however, sometimes bring the batter a two-base hit only because some defensive player forgot to make the right move.

Here we have the batter lifting a low fly ball beyond the reach of the infield into short center field. The ball is popped beyond the reach of the second baseman and shortstop and a trifle in front of the onrushing center-fielder. What does the defense do on this type of play? Certainly it does not give up.

Let us assume the batter is a left-handed hitter. In that event the shortstop will be playing to his left and closer to short center field than the second baseman, who is pulled over toward the first-base side of the infield. The shortstop then is closer to the fly ball and he should pursue it. Naturally, if a right-handed hitter lifts this type of fly over the infield, as in this play, then the second baseman is closer to short center field and he should be the player who chases back for the fly.

The center-fielder comes in at top speed. There is always the possibility that a slight wind will hold the ball in the air long enough for him, or one of the infielders, to make the catch. That is why the fielders should never give up on this type of low fly.

If both second baseman and shortstop turn their backs toward the diamond and dart out for the fly, they are inviting trouble. If the ball drops the batter-runner may end up at second base unless one of the other players does his job. The best type of defensive move on such a play is to have the third baseman, or pitcher, run to second base and cover that bag. The catcher then moves down to third base to protect that spot. The first baseman stays close to his bag because the batter-runner may turn toward second base, decide to retreat to first base and the first baseman should be available to take any incoming throw.

Many coaches like to have their shortstop make the call on such a play. Yet how can he if his back is to the ball as he races into short center field, watching for the fly as it comes over his shoulder? The best bet is to have the player coming in and facing the ball make the call. This would be the center-fielder.

There is nothing one can do if this type of fly ball drops untouched, but there is no excuse for the batter to turn it into a two-base hit simply because second base is left uncovered.

Nothing is more frustrating to a defensive team than to watch a base-runner from first base streak into third on a one-base hit by the batter. It is especially so when more alert and heads-up defensive play may have prevented the base-runner on first base from going into third base. This extra base by the runner, so very valuable especially when there are less than two out, puts additional pressure on the pitcher and his team. Many times, through proper positioning, it can be prevented. Sometimes, however, there is nothing the defense can do to prevent the base-runner from advancing to third following a single. A bounding ball up the middle takes quite a while to reach the outfield. The fast and smart runner can steam into third without too much trouble on this type of single. The single to right field also makes it difficult for the defense to prevent the base-runner from taking the extra base. But no matter in which direction the single is hit with a runner on first, there are certain moves the defensive players should make only because it is expected of them if they are to be considered ball players.

The single to right field usually will get a base-runner to third base, provided the right-fielder isn't playing too shallow and the hit is not a sharp liner which gets to the right-fielder quickly. The throw from right field to third base is long and chances are good that a fast runner who gets a good jump on the base hit will streak into third base. But the defense should not "give" the runner this extra base. Set up a defense to prevent it, and also against the possibility of the batter runner storming into second base on the throw to third.

The defense on this type of play is uncomplicated. Let's say our batter drives safely into short right-center. The runner gets off at the crack of the bat and the right-fielder moves swiftly to his right, picks up the ball and is now ready to whip it back into the infield.

He sees the base-runner making his turn at second, headed for third. Knowing his arm is strong and accurate enough to make a try, he pegs toward third base as the center-fielder helps out by yelling "third base, third base." The throw is made low, designed to get to the third baseman on one hop. It is also kept low so that the shortstop can cut it off if necessary.

Now here's what should happen as the runner rounds second and the right-fielder uncorks his throw: The pitcher moves behind third base to back up the third baseman; the second baseman wheels into his bag for a possible play there and the shortstop gets in direct line of the throw, stationing himself in position where he can cut it off. The third baseman now lets the shortstop know what to do.

The cut-off by the shortstop will definitely hold the batter-runner at first, but will permit the base-runner to get to third. If the third baseman wants the ball to come through to him, the sliding base-runner may still be safe at third and the batter-runner may wind up at second base. Of course it's a gamble, either way, but that's what makes baseball such an exciting venture.

A bunt situation keeps everybody on his toes. Every fielder gets into the act when the batter drops one down and the runner, or runners, begin digging to the next base. There is nothing like a bunt to start all the defense moving.

When a batter is sent to the plate with specific instructions to bunt, why attempt to deceive the defense? The team in the field knows the score of the game, the inning, the batter and exactly what will happen in such a situation. If the obvious play is the bunt, get up to the plate and don't wait to get into your bunt stance just as the pitch is approaching the plate. As the pitcher goes into his stretch motion, the batter should go into his bunt stance. He is then ready to "lay one down." But is the defense ready? If not, they don't belong on the team.

Here's how the defense should form in the ninth inning, winning run perched on first base, nobody out, and the No. 1 or No. 2 batter in the lineup at the plate.

The bunt is a good one, trickling out toward the first-base side of the plate. None of the infielders are caught sleeping because the bunt is expected. The pitcher has already come down off the mound, the first baseman has run toward the plate, the shortstop has moved over to cover second, the second baseman has dashed over to cover first base and the catcher has flung his mask to the side and is moving up on the bunted ball.

Who picks it up? Well, since it is rolling close to home plate, on the first base side, the third baseman had better backtrack to third base. He is too far away to pick it up. The catcher is right above the ball, so is the first baseman, and the pitcher is on the side of it. If these three fielders are in these positions, then it is easier and safer for the catcher to pick up the ball. This is so because the ball is in front of him and he is in good position to see how far the base-runner is from second base. If the catcher picks up the ball, the pitcher shouts instructions, telling him which base to throw to.

If pitcher or first baseman makes the pick-up, the catcher calls the play. In this play, the catcher made the throw to first base, the second baseman covering.

The outfielders, too, must make moves when a bunt is laid down with a runner, or runners, on base. The right-fielder moves to his left and jogs over into short right field. The center-fielder hurries to a position behind second base, anticipating a throw to the bag where he is in perfect back-up position. The left-fielder moves off to his right and in toward third base. After all, he doesn't know how many wild throws will be made in an attempt to catch either the base-runner or the batter, so he prepares for a possible play at third base.

Nothing the fielders do can prevent a bunt from being laid down. But they certainly can keep the offensive team from taking more bases than it is logically entitled to. And this they do by making the proper moves.

A bunt play with runners perched on first and second base is a tricky and sticky situation. Too much can go wrong for the team in the field, especially if someone forgets his assignment. Often one or two infielders are caught where they are not supposed to be. The result? Both runners advance and the batter reaches first base without hardly drawing a deep breath. The bases are full and the pitcher wonders if it's all worth it.

It even happens in the big leagues, and it will happen, and often does, in your school or community league if your team doesn't protect itself at all flanks.

First, what has happened here? Well, the batter gets off a bunt to the left of the plate and a little less than halfway toward the third-base side. The pitcher, in coming off the mound, goes over slightly to the first-base side to protect that area, thus the third baseman has to come in to field the bunt and peg it on over to first base where the second baseman is covering. The shortstop moves to second base for a possible throw there.

Why was the bunt made toward third base?. This is the best place to bunt a ball with runners on first and second, or just second. Get that third baseman to move in and away from his base and the batter has accomplished his purpose. Many sharp-fielding teams, however, will align their defense to meet this situation. The third baseman will be instructed to anchor at third base no matter what, all because the team in the field wants desperately to try for a force-out at third base. Here is the best way to move your defense if this is what you want to accomplish.

As the pitcher delivers, he comes off the mound toward the third-base, not first-base, side. He is then covering part of the area normally protected by the third baseman. Have the first baseman come down the line and then move toward the pitcher's mound. The danger in this type of defense is that there is one less infielder available to field the bunt — the third baseman — and more holes in the infield through which to push the bunt.

Once the bunt is covered, by first baseman or pitcher, the catcher calls the play. If the catcher picks up the bunt, a quick glance toward third base will tell him if he has a chance to make the put-out there. If not, he should automatically peg down to first base to nail the batter. Very often, if the bunt is picked up fast enough, a double play may result. Put-out at third, over the diamond to first base for the second out.

The outfielders again move according to the instructions in Play No. 7.

Many years ago Branch Rickey, one of baseball's finest minds, devised a radical defensive strategy to meet this situation. He practiced with the third baseman, pitcher and first baseman all converging on the bunt. Who covered third base? The left-fielder! Silly? Not when the batter is a notoriously weak batter and the runners on base represent the tying and winning runs in the ninth inning.

Cut-off plays take many forms depending, of course, upon such factors as number of runners on base, what base, direction of the hit, etc. Sometimes, the pitcher, out of necessity, must take the incoming throw from the outfield, or at least get into position to cut it off when necessary.

This play serves to illustrate the role of the pitcher as the cut-off player. There is one striking inconsistency in this illustration, all of which will be pointed out.

With a runner on second base, the batter slashes a hit to left field. The left-fielder charges the ball, knowing full well that the runner has already started for third. It is two out and there's a very good possibility that the runner may get the nod from the third-base coach to keep running, hoping to beat the throw.

Many left-fielders in this type of situation sometimes take the safe way out. They give up the run in order to hold the batter-runner to a single. However, there is no need to do this — if the cut-off man gets into position and does his job, depending upon the catcher's instructions.

In throwing the ball plateward, the left-fielder should throw low, on the line and reach the plate on one hop. Here, the pitcher moves on over toward the third-base side of the infield to make a cut-off if necessary. The ball is thrown in and the catcher calls the play. That is, he tells the pitcher to cut-off the ball. If the pitcher does this, the batter-runner will have to be an extremely gifted runner to get more than a single out of the play.

Why is the cut-off made? The runner from second is on his way to the plate, a certain bet to beat the throw. Therefore the catcher concedes the run but advises the pitcher to take the throw in an effort to hold the batter to just a single.

Here is the glaring inconsistency referred to earlier. There is nobody backing up the catcher. Very poor defensive maneuvering, and that is why, back in Play No. 1, it was suggested that the pitcher does not serve as the cut-off man.

In this play the pitcher would be wiser to get behind the catcher and have the shortstop serve as the cut-off player. The second baseman and first baseman must man their positions because there could be a play on the batter-runner following, either on a throw from the catcher or the cut-off man. The third baseman, too, must remain glued to his post. The runner from second may start for the plate, then decide to backtrack when he sees that the throw has him beaten. The catcher, once he has the ball, is helpless unless there's someone at third base to take his throw. Therefore, third baseman, stay where you are in this situation.

The defense for a double play, with runners on first and second, depends upon the type of batter (lefty or righty) and the situation at the time. If the No. 3, 4 or 5 batter is at the plate, none out or one out, and the offensive team is attempting to mount a rally and play for a big inning, the infield knows that it must play back and try for the double play on the ground ball.

Since the bunt factor is eliminated because the offensive team is going for a big inning, or because there is already one out, the defense pulls back here with all infielders playing a normal depth. Let us assume there is none out and the outlook is promising for the offensive team.

When getting into double play position, the infielders, particularly the second baseman and shortstop, "cheat" a little. That is they play as close to second base as possible without giving the batter too much of a hole to hit through on either side of the infield. For example, the batter, if left-handed, would normally be played by the second baseman shaded slightly toward first base. But in this case the second baseman cannot afford to play too far away from second base. Also, the shortstop, with a righty at the plate, normally would play shaded slightly toward third base. Now, with a possible double play situation, he doesn't take this position but also stays as close to second base as reasonably possible.

Let us assume the batter raps sharply to the shortstop. It is no trick at all for the second baseman to get over, take the toss, make the pivot and peg on to first for the double play. The runner on first base and the batter are then eliminated, and the runner from second has gone to third. The first baseman, after receiving the toss for the second out, should be alert and remember that there is now a base-runner on third. The first baseman comes off his bag and moves toward the direction of the plate, his eyes on the base-runner at third. The third baseman stays at his base and holds the runner close.

On a double play attempt, all outfielders should advance on the infield, getting in position to field a wild throw by the shortstop or second baseman. The catcher should not run down toward first base to protect against an over-throw because the runner breaking from second could then round third and go on to the plate if he notices that it has been left unguarded.

There is little for a pitcher to do but watch and hope in a double play of this type. If he wants to be of help, he should move behind the third baseman and be in back-up position if the first baseman, after taking the pivot man's throw, attempts to throw to third in an effort to nail the base-runner who might have taken a wide turn around third, ready to break for the plate.

It is not always necessary to make a double play from short to second to first, or second to short to first, with runners on first and second and less than two out. Although these are the most obvious double play situations, sometimes the front end of the double play may be made at third or at first. Let's examine all the double play possibilities in this situation.

Runners on first and second, third baseman playing close to the foul line. Batter raps sharp bounder to third baseman who is but two or three steps away from the bag. He should dash to the bag, make the force on the base-runner coming down from second by stepping on the base, and then whip over to first base for the DP.

Same situation as in this play, but this time the bounder is hit to the left of the third baseman. Upon making his pick-up he knows that he's too far away from his base to make a play at third. Therefore he starts the double play by tossing over to second base. The shortstop must then go to his right and cover third base because it was left unguarded once the third baseman went to his left to play the ground ball.

The first baseman may also be confronted with the same situation. With runners on first and second the first baseman should be playing right on his base, keeping the runner as close to first as possible. If a sharp grounder comes his way, he has one of three choices: Throw to third for a force on the runner coming down from second; throw to second for a force on the runner coming down from first, or step on the base and then throw to third or second. If he chooses the latter play, the baseman to whom he throws must then tag the incoming runner, not the base, since the force has been eliminated once the batter is first retired at first base.

Normally, a first baseman capturing a grounder hit straight at him, should throw down to second for the force, and take the return throw in an attempt to complete the DP. Very rarely should the first baseman try to get the "front" out in this situation, meaning play the runner going into third. However, if it is the last inning, none out, and that runner represents the winning run, strategy may dictate that he be headed off only if the first baseman is certain that he can get the ball over to third in time to make the put-out. Why head off the winning run? Well, if the runner gets to third safely — and the double play is missed via first to second and back to first — he'll probably score on a fly ball, a hit for sure. However, if the first baseman is certain that he can convert the grounder into a double play, by all means make the play via second base. Then the runner from second goes to third, but there are now two out. The pitcher should get over to first base on any grounder hit to the first baseman, especially if the first baseman is forced to stray to his right to play the batted ball.

The shortstop is the pivot man with a lefty at the plate; the second baseman makes the pivot with a righty at the plate.

The outfielders again should start toward the infield on this play.

For reasons unexplained, a defensive team always feels uncomfortable when the attacking club has runners on first and third. Somehow, runners on first and third seem to lead to more complications than a bases-loaded situation.

Defensing a first-and-third situation depends again on the status of the game. The inning, the score, type of batter, etc., all must be considered before the defense decides just how it is to play the batter. Normally, an infield will play in close to cut the run off at the plate if the man at third represents the tying or winning run. If it is the early or middle innings, with none or one out, the defense normally will play back, allow the run to score and take a chance on completing a double play via a ground ball. Always play for the double play if the base-runner at third represents neither the tying nor winning run.

The runner on third base, when the infield plays deep with one out, must break for the plate on a grounder. This eliminates the double play possibility if, for some reason, the infielder throws to the plate. With none out, however, the runner on third must play it safe. If he is cut down at the plate, his team will then have runners on first and second with one out and a hit required to score a run. If he does not break from third base and the grounder only results in one out, then the runner on third is still in good position to score on an infield out or outfield fly by the following batter.

In this play the pitcher has fielded a "come-backer," a one hopper smashed to him by the batter. Ignore the runner on third because there is an easy double play coming up, providing there is no wild throw or dropped ball. That is, ignore the runner if there is one out and the grounder can be converted into the DP. If there is none out and the runner at third represents the tying or winning run, fake a throw to third base and then wheel to second base with your throw. The second baseman should be in position at the bag to take the throw if the hitter is a righty; the shortstop should be at the bag if the hitter is a lefty. If the runner from third now breaks for the plate on the pitcher's throw to second base, the throw must be made to the plate. The third baseman must remain at the bag to hold the runner, and the center-fielder should be advancing to-` ward second base to back up the play.

Many coaches, or managers, will play their infield differently in such a situation. If the batter is right-handed and a power hitter, they may instruct their third baseman and shortstop to play a normal depth but pull the second baseman and first baseman in tight. If a left-handed power hitter, the second baseman and first baseman may move to a normal depth with the third baseman and shortstop pulled in tight. Just what happens on a ground ball hit to either side depends upon the score, the number of outs, the inning, the type of grounder. Remember, defenses can always be set to meet any situation, but then the play must develop according to the defensive set-up if it is to be successful.

The first-and-third situation always presents the danger of a double steal. Young players somehow panic when they are on defense in such a set-up and a double steal is being attempted. In seven cases out of ten something usually goes wrong with their defensive planning and the two base-runners successfully accomplish their mission. This is not good and measures should be taken to protect as well as possible against this type of double steal.

The pitcher must be helped as much as possible. To help him the first baseman guards the runner on first by playing on the home-plate side of the bag, his right foot against the bag. The third baseman must also play close to the man at third, thus holding this base-runner's lead to a minimum. The pitcher, too, helps himself by not taking a wind-up. He should pitch from a stretch position if he wants to keep the runners close to their respective bases.

In this play we assume that the batter is a straightaway hitter. That is he hits the inside pitch to left field, the outside pitch to right field and the pitch thrown down the middle toward the middle of the diamond. Thus either the second baseman or shortstop can take the throw from the catcher on an attempted steal. Since the batter is not a pull hitter, both second baseman and shortstop are in excellent position to combine their efforts at second base.

The runner from first starts for second base on the pitch to the plate. The second baseman breaks from his position and gets in front of the bag as the short stop also races toward second base. The second baseman is maybe three steps in front of the bag as the throw comes to the shortstop, who is on the bag. If it is two out and the shortstop sees that he has a good chance to nail the runner coming down from first, he instructs the second baseman to let the throw go through so that he can make a play on the runner coming into the bag. If he sees that the base-runner will beat the throw, he instructs the second baseman to cut-off the throw and return it to the catcher in an attempt to nail the runner coming to the plate from third base.

Of course this is easier to read than to execute. Smart base-runners can upset all this strategy. If the runner on first suddenly halts between first and second, what to do? If the runner on third starts to break for the plate and then stops, what to do?

The defense must consider the importance of the run. If it means winning or tying the game, all attention should be placed on the runner at third. If the run from third is unimportant, then don't bother about it and play the runner coming down from second.

The outfielders must also be alert. They should move in on the infield and protect against over-throws.

The second baseman and shortstop must work as a smooth-functioning team on a double steal attempt with runners on first and third base. One is only as good as the other. The second baseman who gets in front of the bag must be instructed what to do once the catcher's throw is on the way.

A right-handed pull hitter at the plate with runners on first and third base means that the defense must shift slightly to its right and therefore puts the second baseman on the spot in a double steal attempt.

This type of defense is necessary if the fielders are anxious to cut down on the hitter's power alleys, and the shortstop and third baseman must be moved to the right if this is to be done. The third baseman gets close to the third-base line and the shortstop moves into the hole between short and third. The area between the shortstop and second base is wide open and any grounder headed in that direction is certain to roll safely into the outfield. But that is what must be done if the defensive team wants to effectively close up the hitter's areas. Thus, the second baseman also moves to his right and closer to the bag, and with runners on first and third he is the only man involved in a double steal attempt once the catcher wings back the throw with the runner from first breaking toward second base.

Before a pitch is delivered, the defense must make up its mind as to what course of action it will take on any number of situations. Since this play concerns the double steal, it must decide: Shall we play the base-runner coming into second, or shall we make an attempt to nail the runner breaking for the plate from third base?

The pitch comes in. It is a pitch-out because the catcher reasons that the offensive team will attempt a double steal. The team in the field leads by two runs in the eighth inning. So the second baseman is then instructed to get over to the bag and make a play only on the runner coming from first base. What if the runner stops halfway? There is no problem. Just concentrate on running him down between first and second base in an attempt to get the put-out. Permit the run to score since it seems logical to allow a run in order to get an out when leading by more than one run. What to do when the runner on third — in this first-and-third situation — represents the winning or tying run? If the team in the field is faced with a double steal with the winning run on third, the easiest way out is to permit the runner from first base to take second base on a steal attempt. In other words, the second baseman should not play the runner from first base. Instead, after receiving the throw from the catcher, he should rush toward the middle part of the diamond, watching the runner on third base. No harm has been done if the runner from first is allowed to take second without a play being made on him — with the score tied in the ninth inning. After all, it is the base-runner on third who represents the winning run. But, by all means, do not allow the runner from first to steam into second base without a play being made on him when the tying runner is perched on third base. Why? Because that runner going into second represents the winning run and can now score from that spot on an outfield single.

The run-down play always brings the fans to their feet and the fielders to their toes. There is never so much excitement and action in the infield as when a clever base-runner who is fast and shifty gets trapped off a base. Of course, you might say that no clever base-runner gets trapped off any base. This may be so, but a runner who does not take some chances cannot be considered a dangerous and effective base-runner. The best of them — Willie Mays, Luis Aparicio, Vada Pinson — on occasion get trapped off a bag because they are caught leaning the wrong way, the pitcher's motion fools them or the catcher calls for a pitch-out when they are taking an extraordinarily long lead and his peg gets to a base before they're able to scramble back.

Any base-runner who is caught flat-footed off the bag by a throw from the pitcher or the catcher should not attempt to immediately dart back into the bag he was stationed on. Instead he should advance toward the next base and jockey back and forth between bases while the infielders are closing in on him. A runner trapped off a base is not a sure out. Any time players throw and catch a ball there is an element of chance. So, you runners should not give yourself up on this type of play. You fielders should not be over-confident of getting an easy out.

In this play we notice that the runner on first is caught off by a quick toss by the pitcher. The runner breaks for second and the chase is underway.

The first baseman, who now has the ball after receiving it from the pitcher, runs the runner toward second base. The shortstop goes over to cover the base and take the throw from the first baseman as the second baseman darts behind the first baseman and covers first base. The pitcher, too, can move over to first base to help out.

The first baseman throws the ball to the shortstop and the runner stops and reverses his field, going back to first base. If the pitcher is at that base, the first baseman can get in back of the shortstop as the pitcher backs up the second baseman, who has gone over to first base. Here are the fielders and the bases they cover: At second base, the first baseman and shortstop; at first base, the second baseman and pitcher. Notice that the catcher has gone way over into foul territory, backing-up in the event the first baseman or shortstop makes a wild throw past first base.

The left and center-fielders come in to protect against an over-throw past second base, and the third baseman stays close to his bag. In the event of an over-throw the runner may round second and try for third base.

When chasing an embarrassed runner, it is always best to run him back to that base furthest from home plate. Thus in event of an error of commission, an extra base is not taken by the runner.

Catching a runner off second base is indeed an art and requires precision timing and coordination. We are not referring to the run-down that follows, but the throw from the pitcher, or catcher, which first gets to the infielder covering second before the runner can get back in time.

Several teams employ a count-system to nail wandering runners off second base. This is accomplished by the shortstop (or second baseman) and pitcher agreeing on a set signal on which the throw will be made to the bag and the shortstop will slip behind the runner to make the tag.

Here is how it goes. Say the pitcher and shortstop agree on the signal of one-thousand four. When the pitcher steps on the pitcher's mound, both shortstop and pitcher start counting silently: "One-thousand one, one-thousand two" and on to one-thousand four. At the last count, the shortstop races behind the runner to the bag and the pitcher wheels and tosses to second base in an effort to nail the runner. The count-system is only effective when the pitcher and shortstop believe they have a good chance to catch the runner off the base. Also, to really lull the runner into a false sense of security, pitcher and shortstop should attempt several pick-off throws with no established pattern. The pitcher should even throw to the bag when the runner is perhaps only a step away from the base. This will "set-up" the runner for a serious attempt at a pick-off.

A base-runner caught off second base should start on toward third, and begin a run-down play as indicated in this illustration. The pitcher wheels and fires to second base. The shortstop is the most likely fielder to take the throw with a left-handed pull hitter at the plate; the second baseman will take the toss if there's a right-handed power blaster at bat. Also, if it is a bunt situation the shortstop should stay as close to second base as possible and he will take the pitcher's toss.

Let us say the shortstop has received the pitcher's pick-off peg. The runner starts toward third and the run-down is on. The shortstop pegs to the third baseman as the pitcher races over behind third to help out. The second baseman gets behind the shortstop. Thus your run-down alignment has the third baseman and pitcher covering third base, shortstop and second baseman covering second base. The left and center-fielders move toward the infield to guard against over-throws, and the first baseman can also get over toward second base to help out.

Again it is urged that an attempt be made to chase the runner to that base furthest from home. Since he started for third, all efforts should be made to make the play at second base. Thus in the event of a wild throw or a muff no extra base has been reached and the only thing lost is an almost certain out.

Running the bases seems a simple art. It isn't. There is a definite way to run to and past each of the three bases on the field and the runner who knows when to swing out or in will be the most successful.

It has been said time and time again: Baseball is a game of inches. And so it is with base running. An extra half step, although it doesn't seem important at first glance, can win or lose a game. The smart and adaptable player learns quickly how to save a step here and there when speeding around the bases. He is the player to fear once he becomes a base-runner.

The illustration charts the progress of one runner circling the bases on a ball hit between the outfielders. This is a try for extra bases, and the proper turns around the bases may mean the difference between a triple or a home run.

The right-handed hitter, the illustration shows, must approach first base by running in front of home plate. The left-handed hitter can break straight down the line after contact has been made with the ball.

On the approach to first base, the runner should swing slightly wide of the first-base foul line and then cut to his left as he approaches the bag, touching the inside, or infield, side of the bag. Many coaches instruct their base-runners to hit the bag with their inside, or left, foot. They claim that this foot serves as the push-off foot when going to the next base.

However, the runner should hit the base with his natural stride. In other words, if his right foot is the one to make contact with the bag, hit the inside of the bag with this foot and then push off for second base.

The run to second base should be made, as illustrated — on the inside part of the diamond. This cannot be done if you swing wide around first base. The only way to stay on the inside part of the base-line is to cut the inside corner of first base.

When three or four steps from second base, run slightly to the outside and then cut in to touch the inside corner of the bag. Once touching the bag, take the same path toward third base, remembering to circle slightly to the right and then cut in when three or four steps from the base.

The most common mistake made by base-runners occurs when they approach a base. Instead of cutting inside the bag, many take the long way around by cutting wide and into the outfield side of the infield before getting back on the inside portion of the infield. This is time-consuming and means extra steps, sometimes the difference between a double and a triple. The smart base-runner saves steps. To save steps, take the inside routes.

These base-running situations also apply to runners already on base who start toward home plate after the batter hits the ball.

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