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Chapter I Joes Flaybook

ln fhis Chapter Handlingsiogles Fielding doubles or triples '. Covering bunts Settlng up ior pop Ilies

t f /e could hrte ar cntife book devoted to defensive situations and V|7 strategies. These 26 plays are the ones you encounter in almost ewery gane. It do€sn't nlatter whether you or play ir Little i-eague, hlgh school, college, a professional league. or your coinpany s softball team; nake sure vou have a handle on these plays.

If you want tcr know nore about the (lefensive rcle of each player on the tield a$ well as sorle ol the vocabulary used to describe these plays, be sure to check out Chapt€r 7. To read the diagrans thai follow. here is all that you

Synhol Meaning @ \:/ catchsr

\9t F rst basemdi /,;t 6n -_@-

@ Riqhtfielder

\2 C-"nterf elder @ Laftlielder

Path of a player

Path of de ball @ 6:

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Single to left: Bases emptt1

Catcher: ai^ef fifst base in (ase ll,r run,rer takes a t,:ro-nici! rurn.

Pitcher: llack up ant' throw lo seconcl bdsc

First basemar: ( herk ihal tl!. baiter touches first base all(t rhen bac[ !p ihe in(onri g thro$ ti) seconil 1)ase.

Second basemai: C.rver se(ond basc.

Shorlsiopr PursU. Lhe ball: th.n lile up L--t$een tIe lelt iietdcr l|nd second base l() take the cutolJ thrc\!.

'Ihird baseman: (lo\'€r thi(l basc

Left ffeldec Fiel(l ihe bnll and thros. il to the culi)ff ma! (thc shorrsn)t)). If the s|(rtstop is ()!t oI posilion, throw io secon( Dasc.

Cenler frclder \r. , ^ ,.rl. . .

Right tielder: Nl,rve to(ard thc infield Lo uover a poof rhrow lrom the L.fr fielder t., the se((nd basenran. Chapter 9:Joe's Base ball Playhook /l $

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Singte to center: Bases emptq

Catcher: Cover home plate.

Pitcher Stay near the mound and back up any throw to second base. back up re First bas€man: Mate sure the batter touches first base. and then covcr the

Second baseman: Go n) second base to tate the throw-

Shortstopr Go out to be the cutoll man for second base.

Third baseman: Cover third basc. tstop).If l€ft fielderi Back up the c€nter liekler

Center fielder: Fiel.l the ball and thrc'w ii io second base or the cutoff man (shortsiop), the left Right ilelden Backup the center fieldcr- / | $ eartll:tauing Your swings: Hour to Plat/ {he Game

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Singte to ri#kt: &eses eletptg

Catcher: Cove! honc platc.

Pitcher: Follow the Ilight o{ the bali and then dc.ide wh,"!e i.r bact Llp (u,(u

First bas€Dran: Checl ihat ihe tratier (rLthes first base: iher covet ihe base

Second bsetrlan: P'r|srre lhe ball:rhen iak. th.:.ut{)ll Ir)siiid! bei$re€r ihe righL fiel.ter arld sccon(l l)ese.

Shortitop: Cover second lrase

Third t lffm€|l: Co\.cf thir.l lras€.

Left frelder Move tolrard ihe inlield ir! case the riqhr lielctef nakes a tiad thfoi! to second base.

Center fielder Bnck up the righi fielder.

Right lielder: Field ihe hil ancl nake ihe .,it,:rfi throw to the . Il ihe secoDd baseman 1s out ot posiil.Jn, th.ow it to sccon.l base. Chapter 9: Joe's Baseball Playbook 2t7

mpta Single to left: Runner on first, or runners on first and third en decide whefe io track uP (usu- Catcher: Cover home plate.

Pitcher: Follow rhe flight of the balland ihen decicte wtrere to backup hes first baser.then cover the base (usually third base).

First bas€man: Make sure tbe batter touches lirst base, and then cover the ke the cutofl position between the

Second ba5eman: Cover second base.

ShortEtop: Line up between the left fielder and third base for rhe cutoffrhrow

Third baseman: Back up the shortstop (then covef third once the ba is se the males a bad caugnrl.

Left frelder Field the ball and rhrow it to rhe curolf man (the shorrsrop). II the shortstop is out of position, throw it to third base. rutoff throw to ihe second basemar Center frelder: Back up the left fielder throw it to second base. Right frelden Move toward the iniield ro field any bad rhrows. .p f$ Part lf:',ating Your Swings: How to Play the came

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Siwg{e to center: Runner os first, 0r ytwrqers 0n first qnd third {]atcher Cover hollle plate.

Pitcher: Rack !p the ihros. to third base.

aitrsi hasemar: Chcck that the batter timches lirst baser then cover the base

Se.ond b6emd: Cover secolrd base.

Sirortstop: Line up lor the {ruioif throw beh{een the center fielder ard third

tbird bareman: Cover thifd base.

:eft fielder: Eack up tlr€ center lielder

Center fielder Field llle hii and throw it to the cutoil nan (the shortstop). ll lhc shortstoD is out oI position. ihrow it to ihird base.

Right fielder: Back up the center lieider T

Chapte. g: Joe's Baseball Playbook J j

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Single to right: Runner on first, ot runners on first and third Catcher: Cover hone plate.

Pitcher Back up third base.

First baseman: Nlake sur€ that the batter touches lirst base, and then cover

Second bas€man: Cover sccond lrase

Shortstop: Lire up for the (utoIf throw between the right iielcler ancl third r fielder and third

Third baseDaD: Cover thircl base.

Left fielder: Back up the throw to third base

Center fieldcr: Back up the right lielder 1 (the shortsrop) Right fielder: Fiekl the hit and thro it to the cuiofl Eran (the shortstop). flS rart ff:fating Your Swings: How to Play the Game .t@

Siwgte to feft: l?o*nner on second, yun$eys or firsr and secarad, w &ases lsq ect Caither Colel hol]1e plate.

Pit(h€r: Back up thc thron at hone plate.

First basemd: Coler llrst Dase.

Second lrns€nan: C.,vef secoird base.

Shortetop: Cover ihif.l base.

Third basenian: Take the cutoll position lor a throw lo honre plate.

!-ef1 fielder: lliel.l the hil and thfow it to the ctrtoli l]lan (the ihird basenanl.

CeDier fielder: Back up the left fiekle!:

Righi frelder: Back up ary throw to sccond. Chapter 9:Joe s Base hall Playhook // |

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,ners Single to center: Runner on second, run- ners on first and second, or bases loaded Catchen Cover home plate.

Pitcher: Back up the catcher at hone plaie.

First baseman: Take the cutoff position near the mound for a throwto home

Se€ond baseman: Cover secoDd base.

Shortstop: Take the cutoff posiiion for a ihrow to third base.

Third baseman: Cover third base.

Left {ielder: Back up ihe center tielder and then become a quarterback. Tell the center fielderwhere the thro{ should be gonrg.

Center frelden Field the hit, listen lor the left or right fielder's instructions, throw to one of the iwo cutoll nen: the shortstop (if the play is at thlrd basel or the first baseman (ifthe play is at horne plateJ.

Right nelden Backup the centef iielder and then become a quarterback. Tell the center IieLder where the throw shoukl be goirlg. /// eatttl:taxing Your swings: How to Play the Game

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Single to right: t?unner on second, runners on first and secofid, or bases loaded Catcher: Covei hoore plate.

Pitcher Stand outside the base paths betvcen third base ard h.,me plate. uatch ihe play evolve and back up the tluow (usuallv at homc plate).

Fil5t baseman: Take ihe cutof{ p.rsition ior the thro$ to hone plate.

Second baseman: Cover scconrl base.

Shortstop: Take the cutolf position for the thro( kr ihird base.

Ttrird basemanr Cover third basc.

Left ffelder: Come toward third base in ordef to lre able to back up at third or second lrase. depending on where ihe play is evolving.

C€nter fi€tder: Back Lrp thc right ljcldcr and tell hlor where to thro$l

Right fielder: lield the lrall. listen ior the center fielder's instructions. and throw io the appropriate cutoff man: the shortsiop (i)n a play at rhird base) o. the first basenan (on a play at hone plate). Chapter 9:Joe's Base tal etaybook //J

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ufiners Double, possible triple down the left field line: Bases enpttl Catcher: Cover home plate.

Pitcher tsack up third base. '1ate). First basemD: Make su.e the batter touches first basei th€n trajl rhe runner

Second baseman: co to the trail position behinci the shortstop. Sray irear

ShortEtop: Take ihe cutolf position down the lefr fietct lin€.

Thtud ba5eman: Cover third base. up at third or kft fielder: Field the hit and make rhe cutolf throw to the shortstop.

Center freldec Back up the lefr fielder

Right frelder: Back up any rhrow to second base. third base) 22 fi e"ttl,t^uing Your swings: How to Plav the Game f / lGi

fioubte, ytossible *iyile to the left eewter field gap: Bases emptg Catcher: Cover hotne plate.

Pitcher Back up thif.l base.

First basemdr N{;rke sure the batter touches llrst bas. and then trail hinr tt)

Second baseman: Go to thc irail poslti.rn behilrd ihe shortstop.

Third basenian: Cove,' tf ird Lrasc.

Shortstop: Lirle up $ith thi(l base a d the Iiekler for th-- cutolf throt{

Left fielder: Back up the (:enter fieldef.

Celrer fietder: Field lhe hit an.l then nake the cutoli throw to the shorlstop

Right fietder: llack up any throw to sec('rd base. Y

Chapterg:Joe's Base hal elayboot< //J

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Double,.possible triple to the ilght center field gap: Bqses empt\ Catcher: Cover hone plare.

Pitcher: Back up third bd5e. rail him to First ba$emar: Check thar rhe battcr touches lirst base. and then trait him to

Second bdseman: l.ine up with third base and rhe center jjelder tor rhe cutoff

Shortstop: Get to the trail posiiion behind the s

Third ba.seman: Cover third lrase.

Left fielder Back up any throw to third basc

Center fielder Field the hit and nake the cutdf throw ro the second baseman.

Right freld€r: Back up the center fieider /pS Yaxtl:taxing Your swings: How io Plav the Game

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ilouble, possibte tripte douln the riqht field line: Sases emptq Catcher: Cover hone plale.

Pitcher: Rack up third base.

First basenanr Check that ihe batter touches lifst basc, and then tfail hin to

Secolrd b6eBa]1: Lire up wlLh third base and lhe right liekler lor the cutoff

Shorrstop: Get tu the trallpositi(m behird thc second base'nan

'third baseman: Cov€r thitd base.

lcil fiFlden P .l | " .\ lhror ' I r,l bis' Center fietd€r: Back up the right fielder.

Right fielden lielcl the hil ard then nLake the cutoli throw to the sccond t

Chapter 9: Joe's BaseballPlayhook ))/

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Double, possible triple doqtn the left field line: Runners on base Catcher: Cower home plate.

Pitcher: Stand between home plate and thir.l base ( to home), watch the play evolve, and back up the throw. r trail him to First baseman: Check that the batter touches iirst ba5e, and then trail the runner to second base.

S€cond baseman: Get ro rhe trail position behind ihe shortstc,p. Ler the shortstop know rvhere to throw

Shortstop: Line up between home plare and the teft tielder for the cutoff

Thid baseman: Cover third base.

Left ffelder: Field the hit and mal.(e the cuioff ihrow to the shorisiop.

Cen.er fielden Back Llp the lelt iielder

Right fielder: Back up any throwto second base. 228 parttt:taxing Your Swings: tiow lo Play the Game

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Doubfen possibte tripfe to t{ae feft. eenter field qap: tlunwers sw base Catcher: Cover home plale.

Pitcher: Stand berween hom. plate and third base (ckser io home), war.h the play evolve, and back up the lh.ow

Firct bascmm: | .t n-,r or,.,.,o,,ior,.u ....$.r,-prJ,

S€cond tlaseman: Get to the tr il posiiior behlnd the shortstop. Let ihe shortstop know where io ihr{)w.

Shortstop: Line up with txnle plate and thc fi€ldei for the cutofl tl!ri)w.

Third ba$e&an: Cover ihird base.

Left frelder: Back up the cenier fieldef.

Center fielder: Field the hit and nake the cutolj thro$ ro the shortsbD.

Right fielder: Back up any throw to second base. Y

chapter 9; Joe's Base ballPlaybook ))!

nter Double, possible triple to the right center field gap: Runners on base CatcheE Cover home plate.

Pilcher Stand beiween home plate and thircl base (closef to hone), watch ihe play evolve, and back up the throw

First basemar Take tlre cuioff posjtion for a throv t(i the plate.

Ler rhe S€cond basemar Line up with home plate and the Jielder for the cutoff

Shortstop: G€t to the trail position behind the second baseman. Tell the second baseman where io make the ihro$'.

Thivd ba5eman: Cover third base.

Lefi fitslder: tsd.k Lp an) hros,o rnrrd basF.

Center fielder: Field the hit and mate the cutof{throw io the second baseman.

Right frelder: Back up the center lielder 230 partllrl"uing Yout Swings: How to Play the Game

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&ouble, Itossible uiple doun the right field line: Runners oo ba,se Caichcr Corer home plate

Piirher: Stturd outsi(le the base paths halfivay between holne plaie and third lras.. $ atch the piay eJyoh,e, and back Lrp ihe ihrow

First baseoan: Take the cutofl position lor a thros.io the plate.

Serotrd baseman: Line up with hone plate and the fielder fof the cuioff

Shcristtp: Cei behird tne second basenar. Teil the second lra-seman where !o nake ihe throrL. Be the cuioll nan I()r a play at thircl bas€.

Left fielder: llack up any !hrow to second base or third bas€.

Center frelden Back up the riitht fielder

Right fi€lder: Fiekl the hit and ake the cutuff throlv to thc se(ond basemar. Chapter g: Joe's Baseball Playbook JJ I

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tt Satrifiw buwt: Ruaner 0n first [licher: Tel]ihe nrficldefs \i,her. t.r thr.i!.

Pitcher: Cover the mlddle of the infield. ll you lieid the ball. listen to the catcher s instrrctions, and then throw to the appropriate base.

First baseliranr ,AJtcr holdlng the fD le. on Jirsr base. charqe and cover the rlghi ilde oi the irfielcl. lf you iield the bau. llst€r i(,.the ratcher's insi.uc l1cns, ard th.n throw to the appfopriate base

Second basemar: Cov€f lirst t'ase.

ShDrtsrop: Co\'€r seconci base.

Third baseman; Charle towarrl ho re plate ard c.rver the tefi si.te oi rhe illi.!.-. aBe Df:p&e.l i.r retrell .tuickir tu thir.l base ro pre!eri ih. nlnne! It.!r sdiaicrng lhere.) il ) otr iiekl ihc ball. listen n) ihc carcljer's nui4!.- ''. J 'u{ .1 , 'op,i"r-o i

Lett fi€lder: {bine toward the i ield in order to back up po.rr throws.

Center fielder: Ba.rk up anv ihros.to second bdse. Righr fir ld,.r: P". L.rr' : ) | ,.'\ f,, 1, 2JZ Parttuttauing Your swings: l{ow to Plavthe came

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Sacrifice bunt: f?unsers ar first arcd secondn tke iwfield goes for t{tc out at first Catchen Teilthc i.lielders lrhere rhe rhroM,is goirg.

Piieher: Cov.r the ihitd base 1ine. Il you lield the ball. listen to the catcirer's instructiolls and then throw io lhe first base

First hasema.'r: Cover the riitht side ol the infi.ld. lf ]'ou fielcl the ball. listen for ihe calche. s insiructiurs, and then throw to fifst base.

Second basenlan: C.Jver first base.

Shortstop: Cover s.cond base.

Tldrd baseEian: Charge a!).l cover the left slde oi the infieid. If yoL! liel(i the ball, listen b dte calcher's instfuirtions, and then throw to ihe lifst base.

Left fielde|: Back up any thro$' to second base or third base. Center frelden Back up any throwto se.cDd base. Righl fielder: B .u or)r-w'l., rl s- Ghapter 9: Joe's BasehallPlaybook f JJ -l -.@+ I rJTi /,al .J- )i J

econd, I,Aheel plaq: Batter puts doutn a sacrifice bunt with runners on first and second, the defense goes for the force-out at third 'in\ Catchen Tell the where the throw is gonlg. (Remember rhar the center f'elder is covering second on this play.) all, iisien tR/ Pitcher: The shortstop shond break for third base before you deliver the pitch. Cover the niddle.t the irrlield. Ilyou field the ball.listen to tlle catcher's instructions, and then throw to the appropriate base. First baseman: Cover the rieht side ol ihe irfield- Ii you field the ball, listen ior the catcher's instructions, and then throrv to the appropriaie base. r lield the Second baseman: Cover i'rst base.

Shortstop: Get behiDd the lead runne.'s right shoulder and break for third base as the pitcher sets.

Third basemad: Charge dd coverthe lcft sicle of thc infielcl.lfyou lielcl the ball, listen to the catcher's insiructions, and then throw to the appiopriate base.

Left fielder: Ba(\ Lp al.y lhr' '$ n | , rd b.si . Center flelder: Come toward the infield to cover seconrl base.

Right ffelder: Back up any throw to first base. 2J {1 Yartu,t^uing Your swings: How to Play the came

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(,Aheel plag (ake: Runners 0n first and seco$d aith a ttick|ff plaE going to second Catchcr: Cover homc plntc.

Pitcher: As the shoftstop bfeaks for third base. make your pickoff thrrw to

tirst baseBallr ft)ver tlte right side oJ the infieid as iI Lhe wheet plat' were on

S€cond baseman: Fake a step ioward lirst base, and ihen break for secood base for the pickofl throir

Shortstop: Position )1)urself behirrd the rmnef s right shol der Break for ihifd base as il the $heel pla]' weie on.

'Ihird b$eDm: Cllarge and cover the left side of the inficld.

Left fielder: Back Lrp rhe c€nter fielder

Center field€r: Back up the throw to secon.l base.

Right fretder: i3ack up the centef liekler

s"it For thc $heel play fake to $(rrk. everyone rnust go abo{t his initlal assign 1r, nent as ii the play is aclually on. Chapter g:Joe's Base hall Playhook /J!

,d Pop flA to shallou right field second Catcher: if the bases are empry. back up a possible throw ro fi.si base; other wise- cover home plate.

Pitchen Call lor a fielder if the ball is in the infield properj if not, f throw to cover firut. Fir€t basenan: Call for a catch ilyou feel that you can make the ptayi how- ever, you must back oII ifthe righi tielder or the second baseman calls for the

Second baseman: Catl for a carch, but backolf if the righr fielder calls you off.

ShortEtop: Cover second base.

Thtud ba5eman: Cover third base

Lefl fielder: cd.k up an) hr,,u Lo I rird bdr-.

Ceuter fretder: Back up the right fielder.

Right fielder: Call for the caich ifyou feel y.ru can make the play. Allother fielders must yield io you. al assrgn- 236 Partll:tauing You. Swings: How to Play the came l

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Pop flA to shatloql left field Catcher: If the bases are enpty, back up a possiine rhnrw to third basei orh erwrse, covef h.)me plate.

Pitchcr Call a ficlder li the ball is close to the irfictcti if nor. .ovcr thjrd base.

Firrt baielirnn: Co\.c. first base

Sccond baseman: Cover secorkl base

Shortstop: Call for the ball if you rhirrk vou can rlake the pta)l cive way if the lcft iielder calls Ior it.

Third basenm: Call for the .atch ij vou thlnk you can nake rhe pl.!.. H.r{.cver you nrust back off if the sh.,rtsrop or leJr tiel.lcr ca s you oft.

I-eft frelder: Calllor the ball if]ou rhink _\rou can nrake rhe plal All orher ficlders rnusi yield to you.

Center field€r Bach up the tcft fiekter.

Right rielder: llack up ary thfolv ro second base. Chapter 9; Joe's BaseballPlaybook /JJ

vr,-^ tr,, , , -f ,t rop flA to snarrow cenrcr FeId Catcher: Cover home plate_

Pitcher Direcr the infietders. IJ the shortsrop and second baseman both go tor the ball, cover second base if rhe first baseman is unabte to do so.

Firct baseman: Cover first base untess the shoristop aild second baserran both go {or the ball. Tllen yo! must cover second.

S€cond baseman: Call lof th€ ball iJ you think you can make rhe ptay. Back ofi ive \'\'ay if the if either the center liekler calls for ii or if rhe shortsrop ca s for it before you do.lither you or the shortstop must retreat ro c

plav. Shortstop: Call ior the bau 1f you rhink you can nake rhe pla,v. cive way if the cenier fiel.ler calls lor it or if the second baseman ca s for it before you do. Either you or the secon(l baseman must retreai to cover seccnd base. All other Third baseman: Cover thi.d base.

Left fi€lder: Back up the center fielder

C€nter fieider: Calt for the ballil you thnrk you car mate the play. Altorher fielders must yield to you.

Ri8ht fielder: Back up tbe cerlter lielder punu,r"ning 238 Your swinqs: How to ptay rhe Game T I

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Y, f - , t Uasic-. bunt defense drill: hAith or tlithout ranners sn

Catcher: Step in fronl of hol11e ptatc.

Pitcher: Charge in fron the No!n.t, t(^{ad homc ptare.

First baseman: Charge roa.ard home plate.

Second baseman: Co|ef fn-sr lrase.

Shoristop: Covcr second base.

Third barcmar: Chnrge rowarcl honre ptare.

Riilhl fielder. Pd.k r/ ,-.t r, h , r., ,a.-

Center fielder: llack up the throw to sccon.t base.

Left fr€lder: With a .unner on seco d, back up thlr throw to thrrd basc. \\. h a runner only on lirst. back up thc thro$,ro the lett of second base.

Ab,€r ll the thfo(' goes home or to eirher firsr or sccon.t base. the third base_ mar retreats back to lhird alref rhe throw is executed. Chapter 9: Joe's Baseball Playbook 23t

Basic bunt defense drill: Runner on second Catcher: Step in front of home plare.

Pitcher: Charge in on a right angle to cover the third base side.

FiIlBt basemanr Charge toward home plate.

Se€ond baseman: Cover first bas€.

Shortstop: Cover second base.

Third baieman: Cover ihird base.

Right fieldefl Back up a throw to lirst base.

Centev fielder: Back up a throw to second base.

Left frelder: Back up athrow to third base-

Notej Il th€ hitter bunts the ballhard and cleanly t., afielder, the defensive team should go alier the tead out at second. Ii the hitter bunts the ball softly, the fieldef should look for the play at third, but if the runner is bearing down r third base- on the bag, the fielder should throv to first for the 'easy out. If the lielder bobbles the ball, go for the out at filst, but don't rush your throw to conrpeo sate for the bobble. Rushed throws often sail past their targets.