FIELDING - Outfielders - When To Look To Throw Behind The Runner

(this is an excerpt from Mark Gola’s forthcoming book, Baseball’s Sixth Tool)

The lead-off batter drives a base hit to left-center field. The left fielder gloves the ball and throws it to the shortstop who's out for the cut-off. He turns and fires a strike to the first baseman to nail the runner.

How did he know he'd be off first base? He took advantage of the player's human nature.

When a player drives a base hit to the outfield, he is taught to make a turn. If the outfielder mishandles or arrives late to the ball, the runner is in position to continue to second base. Many players are guilty of what Dave Gallagher calls, false hustle. They circle the base hard, make a strong turn, turn around and retreat to first base. These guys are prime targets for this play. With a strong turn, they're a good 30 feet from first base. When they retreat, they turn their backs to the play. The runner often jogs back to the base, thinking of nothing but how happy he is with himself for getting a hit.

If you're playing shortstop on this play, be thinking from the get-go. A hit that is slightly away from the outfielder will encourage a more aggressive turn from the runner. Set yourself in a position to receive the cut that puts you in line with first base. In your mind, you are going to receive the throw from the outfielder, immediately turn, and fire to first base. As you turn, your eyes are looking at two things. Is the first baseman in position, and is the runner far enough off the base to get him. If it's on, get him! Communication with the first baseman is key. Tell him to always be around the base on a sure base hit.

This is not isolated to shortstops or base hits. There are many opportunities in a game to throw behind the runner. A base runner going first to third on a double or a batter who hits a sure double that he may try to stretch into a triple are prime candidates. If you sense a runner is going to round a base aggressively and there is no other play, look to throw to the base and catch him off-guard.