DEFENSIVE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE SECOND BASEMAN Here are the defensive responsibilities at second base: • Cover first base on a bunt. Most bunt defenses have the first baseman crashing. The second baseman must get to the bag quickly and take the throw as if he were the first baseman. • Sprint to back up a play at first base. Get to the foul line behind first base as quickly as possible. • Communicate with the shortstop and the pitcher on the possibility of a comebacker. Either the Shortstop or the second baseman must know in advance who will take the throw from the pitcher on a comebacker (with a runner at first base.) • Change defensive positioning with a runner at first base. Play at double play depth; in three or four steps and over a few steps toward the bag. “Pinch the middle.” • Cover first base on a play at the plate with the first baseman the cutoff. • Be aware that you have priority on pop fouls behind first base. • Communicate with the shortstop with a runner on first base-“yes, yes-no, no.” It is important for the middle infielders to communicate with each other during the course of a game. This situation arises frequently in a game: a runner on first and the hitter hits a ground ball to either the second baseman or the shortstop. The off –infielder must let the fielder know where to throw the ball, either to first base or the easier play at second. If for instance, the ball is hit to the shortstop the second baseman must sprint to the bag in time to give him directions where to throw the ball. Yes, yes means the shortstop can throw to second for the force out. No, no means the shortstop must throw across to first base. This must be called out firmly and quickly, before the infielder comes up with the ball. It should be voiced loudly enough so the coach can hear it from the bench. This allows the shortstop to concentrate solely on fielding the ball because he knows the second baseman is watching the runner. Yes, yes- no, no in the middle will save the defense several outs a year. • Attempt to catch every fly ball in short right field. Peel off only after the outfielder calls you off. Move aggressively to the ball and listen to the outfielder (who has priority). • With a runner on first base communicate with the shortstop which one of you will cover second on a hit and run. This is the open mouth, closed mouth signal. They put their glove in front of the face when giving the signal to hide it from the offense. • Make the backhand play on balls hit up the middle. This should become a routine play. Many coaches put a weak-armed player at second base. All middle infielders need adequate arm strength. • Before every pitch know the situation and assume the ‘set’ and then ‘ready’ positions. • With the infield in and a runner on third base, “look” the base runner back before throwing to first. Keep the feet moving and glance at the runner before throwing to first base. • On double play situations make sure of one out. Read the pitch and pitch location from the catcher to the pitcher so that you may ‘cheat’ a step or two in anticipation of where the ball will be hit. Shading the hitter is done with small adjustments only; just a step or two. .