BASERUNNING - Making an Aggressive Turn Around First Base

Players are taught from an early age to make a turn around first base on a clean single to the outfield. The question, are they making that turn with the intent to get to second base or are they simply going through the motions?

While coaches preach never to assume anything on the baseball field, this is a time where the runner should assume. He should assume the outfielder is either going to mishandle the baseball or make an errant throw. That way, the runner is thinking second base out of the box and will only return to first base if the outfielder proves him wrong by adequately fielding and throwing the ball.

On a clean single to the outfield, the runner should get down the line with as much intensity as if he was attempting to leg out an infield single. The only difference is he's going to bow out and make a turn so he can hit the inside corner of first base and maintain his momentum towards second base. Some runners do this correctly and make an aggressive turn towards second base. Once they see the ball is fielded clean, they begin their retreat to first base. This is premature. They should wait to see that the ball is thrown accurately to the base or cut-off man. On a base hit to left field, for example, the runner has a perfect view of the throw. If he sees the throw is off-line, there is an opportunity to continue to second base. The infielders and outfielders often get lazy in this situation, and the runner can advance to second if he's attentive and in position.

Why is it so important to get to second base? You're instantly in scoring position. A base hit can score you, instead of needing to base hits when standing on first base. In addition, putting pressure on the defense by being aggressive on the basepaths can lead to more defensive errors throughout the game or series. If the defense knows you're looking to take extra bases, they will sometimes rush (or panic) and make mistakes under pressure.