1st base play

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Coaches at all levels:

Please review with your first base players the proper technique when a ball is hit but there is NOT going to be a play at first base. Over the weekend, I saw it dozens of times: The batter hits a clean single to center and is trying to round first by hitting the inside corner of the bag and taking a tight turn. But the first baseman is standing near the bag blocking the runner's path. 99 times out of 100, the runner will alter her path to avoid a collision with the poorly-instructed fielder. But that one-time collision could not only result in an obstruction call, but also an injury.

As soon as the first baseman realizes that there will be no play at her bag, she should circle back down the first base line, watch to make sure the batter/runner touches the base, then slip in behind her for a possible throw back.

If there is a runner at second at the time of the hit, the first baseman may be required to position herself as a cut-off man. But under NO circumstance, should she be watching the play unfold while blocking the path of the base runner.

 

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Good point! Agreed!!

 

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Yea you got it in a nut shell. They have to make the play or get out of the way.

 

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This is usually not seen as much in High School since metal cleats are allowed.

 

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We have seen it a lot the last few weekends.

 

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This one bugs me to no end!

On plays where the runner has to "minorly" adjust her path to avoid the fielder, when it really doesn't affect the outcome of the play or result in any base award, after the play is over I will remind the fielder that she needs to get out of the way. That way, if it happens again and I call "obstruction" she shouldn't be surprised!

On a play where the obstruction obviously has affected the play, I'll call it in a heartbeat.

I don't really see too much of this except in lower-level rec games. Then again, in travel ball I'm usually working the older age groups and they seem to have a better idea of where they need to be. And I usually NEVER see it again in a game where I've said something to the fielder about it!

 

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Just to follow up-- I saw this repeatedly in 10U games between the very best teams. I saw it quite often during 12U games and some at 14 and even 16.

 

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this bugs me
when the ball is hit down the first base line and the first baseman fields it and stand there and waits for the batter to come to her instead of taking two or three steps back to the base for the out, i have seen girls get hurt cause of the contact with the fielder for the out.

 

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That one doesn't bug me!

The fielder is making a legal play and the rules require the runner to avoid contact.

 

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I was watching an 18U game this weekend, 1st base was consistently staying in a spot where the runners had to go around. About the 3rd inning batter runner rounds first and didn't go around. Not enough contact that either one went down, but it solved the problem. Would have been better if the ump said something to the fielder, if it would have been a situation where the runner was going for 2, the contact would have been a lot harder.

 

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I try to teach my player to run forward if it is hit up the line. She moves forward tag the runner, is looking for another play. Thats probably why when you see this in upper levels the batter/runner stops so the first baseman has to run to her.

 

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The slapper on our team had trouble this weekend with someone blocking the base. She was slapping/bunting infield, and the first baseman was blocking her from being able to tag the base. One player on the team made gentle contact with the first baseman. She apologized and did not block the base after that.

 

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Agree with Speiglme, 1st should be running at the runner for the tag...and we always teach our runners to stop in that situation, never run into a tag, make them come and get you.

 

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The common thread is that the 1st baseman is not being properly taught.

 

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They also are not being taught how to tag the base correctly.

Ball is hit to 3rd. 1B runs to her base and plants her right foot on the bag. 3B makes the throw.

The 1B should be straddling the corner of the bag, until they can tell where the throw is going. Catch, tap and get off. Or, if the ball is over your head, you need to leap, using both feet.

If the throw is within your stretch, you plant against the bag with one foot and lay out to catch the throw. Your foot on the bag can vary, especially if the throw is coming from RF.

A first baseman also needs to let those throws go (and this comes from experience) that are thrown across the base path, in line with the runner. It is a good way to separate a shoulder.

I agree, normally tag that runner coming towards you. If it is going to be a collision, tag with both hands and roll onto your bottom, in a tuck position.

 

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This may be slightly off topic but it was mentioned that the base runner is taught to stop...

You guys might all know this but I remember seeing in a college game where the runner actually took a step backwards and got called for it. (delay i think) If I remember correctly, the other base runner was awarded another base??? Just another detail to consider. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks!

 

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If they are running to first they are out if they take a step backward. They can stop to avoid running into a fielder. The one that got me was first base lining up in the base line till the pitcher would pitch the ball. This was to delay the runner trying to use her rocker step to take off at first base. So you know someone taught her to do this.

 

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This may be slightly off topic but it was mentioned that the base runner is taught to stop...

You guys might all know this but I remember seeing in a college game where the runner actually took a step backwards and got called for it. (delay i think) If I remember correctly, the other base runner was awarded another base??? Just another detail to consider. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks!

The rule that you are referencing is?: The runner going to first can stop without taking a step backward. If they do take that step backward any other runners can not advance a base. They will be stuck at their original base prior to the start of the play. I saw this in the College World Series, final 8 or 16. Girl took a step back and runners had to return to their previous base.

 

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I have a question about a similar situation. Weakly hit ball down first baseline is fielded by first baseman. Second baseman coming across first base catches throw from first baseman clearly just before runner reaches the base. Runner puts her shoulder into second baseman and lays her out causing her to drop ball upon hitting the ground. Umpire calls runner safe even though she obviously lowered her shoulder to knock over the second baseman.This was during an NSA tournament and umpire said runner did not have to avoid contact. Is it true that runners do not have to avoid contact in NSA? How long would second baseman have had to held onto ball? She clearly had control before being laid out. The runner was easily twice the size of the second baseman and was quite proud of herself.

 

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Thanks wgman. Yes that makes more sense.