A junior high school baseball manual
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A JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL MANUAL
A P ro ject P resen ted to the F a c u lty o f the School o f E d u catio n The U n i v e r s i t y o f S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a
In P a r tia l F u lfillm en t o f th e R e q u ire m e n ts f o r th e D egree M aster o f S c ien c e i n E d u c a tio n
by E w i n g H. C r u t c h f i e l d A u g u s t 1950
UMI Number: EP46258
All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion.
Dissertation Publishing
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'5 7
C9S*?
Th is p r o je c t report, w ri tt en under the direction of the candidate1s adv is e r and a p p r o v e d by him, has been p res en te d to and a c c e p te d by the F ac u lty of the S c h o o l of E du c a ti o n in p a r ti a l fu lfi llm en t of the requirements f o r the de gre e of M a s t e r of Science in Education.
Date
^ ^ ^ ^ 9^ ......* ^ ...../..% }^ ? ........
Adviser
Dean
il TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER
PAGE PART I .
BASEBALL OFFENSE
HOW TO GUTSCORE YOUR OPPONENT 1.
OFFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS;
HOW TO WIN GAMES BY
PRODUCING R U N S .......................................................................................
2
1.
BATTING:
2
2.
STRIDE:
3.
THE SWING:
How t o m e e t t h e b a l l
4.
SACRIFICE:
How t o b u n t ........................
5.
SMART HITTING:
How t o How t o
stan d a t
t h e p l a t e ..........................
s t e p w i t h t h e p i t c h ......................
3
. . . . . . .
4 5
How t o b e a f i n e t e a m h i t t e r ,
a s w e l l a s a g o o d s l u g g e r .................................................... 6.
THE BAT:
How t o
s e le c t the c o rre c t b a t
7.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
ROUNDING THE SACKS: 1.
THE START:
8
W here t o g e t
...................................................................
9
HOW TO RUN THE B A S E S .....................
13
fu rth e r assistan ce 2.
. . . .
7
How t o
g e t aw ay f r o m t h e b a s e
i n t h e q u i c k e s t p o s s i b l e m a n n e r .............................. * . 2.
THE PIVOT:
How t o r o u n d t h e b a s e s ..............
14
3.
THE SLIDE:
How t o h i t t h e
15
4.
THE LEAD-OFF:
5.
THE STEAL:
d i r t ........................
How t o make s t e a l i n g e a s y
. . .
13
16
How t o a d v a n c e a l o n g t h e b a s e
p a t h s ......................................................................................................
18
iii CHAPTER 6.
PAGE BE SMART: How
to p la y heads-up b a s e b a ll
on t h e b a s e s ........................................................ 7.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
W here t o g e t
fu rth er assistan ce PART I I .
18
. . . . . . . .
20
BASEBALL
HOW TO KEEP YOUR OPPONENTS FROM SCORING 5.
DEFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS:
HOWTOIMPROVE YOUR
DEFENSIVE P L A Y ....................................................................................... 1.
THROWING: How
t o Im prove y o u r th r o w in g
a b i l i t y .................................................................................................. 2.
CATCHING: How
DEFENSIVE STRATEGY:
............................
How t o d e v e l o p
. . . . .
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER: fu rth e r assistan ce
4.
PITCHING:
WARM UP:
2.
STANCE:
..............................................................
How t o p r o t e c t y o u r
a r m .................................
31 35 35
How t o s t a n d on t h e p i t c h i n g
m o u n d ....................................................................................................... 3.
30
W h ere t o g e t
HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE PITCHER . . . . .
1.
27
sound
d e f e n s i v e t e c h n i q u e s .................................................................... 4.
24
to m aste r the elem en tary
fu n d am en tals o f c a tc h in g 3.
24
DELIVERY: How
36
t o throw th e b a l l by th e
h i t t e r ..................................................................................................
38
iv CHAPTER 4.
PAGE FOLLOW-THROUGH:
How t o g e t i n a p o s i t i o n
t o f i e l d t h e h a l l a f t e r t h e p i t c h ............................... 5.
PITCHES:
How t o t h r o w t h e f a s t b a l l a n d
c u r v e ...................................................................................... 6.
FIELDING:
41
How t o b e a f i e l d e r a f t e r e a c h
p i t c h ............................................................. 7.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER: fu rth er a ssistan ce
5.
BACKSTOP: 1.
.
42
W here t o g e t
..............................................................
HOW TO PLAY THE CATCHER'S POSITION . . .
STANCE:
How t o
FOOTWORK:
How t o b e i n t h e p r o p e r p o s i t i o n
PUT HIM OUT:
4.
POP F L I E S :
5.
HEADS UP:
6.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
How t o c a t c h h i g h f l y b a l l s
1.
STANCE:
50 . . . .
How t o b e a s m a r t c a t c h e r .....................
fu rth e r assistan ce INFIELD PLAY:
48
How t o t a g t h e r u n n e r a t home
p l a t e .................................................................
6.
47
47
t o c a t c h t h e b a l l ........................................................................ 3.
45
s t a n d when g i v i n g t h e
s i g n s ............................................................................ 2.
40
52
W here t o g e t
. ..............................................................
HOW TO PLAY THE INNER DEFENSES . . . How t o
51
54 58
assume t h e p r o p e r s t a n c e
f o r a n i n f i e l d e r ........................................................................
58
V CHAPTER 2.
PAGE PUT-OUTS:
How t o p u t t h e b a l l o n t h e
r u n n e r ................................................................................................. 3.
4.
RUN-DOWNS:
How t o p u t o u t t h e t r a p p e d b a s e
runner
.......................................................................................
. .
CUT-OFF:
. . . . . . .
THE FIRS T BASEMAN:
THE SECOND BASEMAN:
62
Some a d d i t i o n a l
i n f o r m a t i o n o n how t o p l a y t h e i n i t i a l 6.
60
How t o k e e p t h e o p p o n e n t o u t o f
sco rin g p o s itio n 5.
59
sack
.
.
63
Some a d d i t i o n a l
i n f o r m a t i o n on p l a y i n g t h e k e y s t o n e b a g . . . . 7.
THE SHORTSTOP:
How t o c o v e r t h e o t h e r h a l f ..............................
of th e keystone bag 8.
THIRD BASE: How t o p l a y t h e h o t
9.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER: fu rth e r assistan ce
7.
FLY HAWKS: STANCE:
How t o
2.
POSITION:
corner
67 . . . .
69
W here t o g e t
...................................................................
HOW TO PLAY THE OUTFIELD
1.
65
POSITIONS
.
71 .
s t a n d i n t h e o u t f i e l d .....................
How t o b e
in th e r i g h t
74 74
spot a t
t h e r i g h t t i m e ............................................................................. - 75 3.
FLY BALLS:
A d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n on
c a t c h i n g f l y b a l l s ................................................................... 4.
GROUND BALLS: in the
How t o f i e l d
76
ground b a l l s
o u t f i e l d .............................................................................
77
vi CHAPTER 5.
PAGE THROWING:
How t o t h r o w t h e b a l l f r o m t h e
o u t f i e l d .................................................................. 6.
STRATEGY:
How t o p l a y y o u r p o s i t i o n
in
t h e o u t f i e l d ............................................................................ 7.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER: fu rth e r assistan ce
Where t o g e t
..................................................................
PART I I I .
78
79
STAYING IN SHAPE
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF DURING BASEBALL SEASON 8.
CONDITIONING:
HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A
BASEBALL GAME............................................................................................ 1.
PHYSICAL TRAINING:
How t o g e t t h e maximum
r e s p o n s e f r o m y o u r b o d y ......................................................... 2.
TRAINING RULES:
83
How t o
83
s t a y In shape d u rin g *•
the e n tir e 3.
season
...............................
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
. . . . . . . .
W here t o g e t
f u r t h e r a s s i s t a n c e ................................... 9.
SAFETY: 1.
HOW TO PROTECT Y O U R S E L F ..........................................
MEDICAL EXAMINATION:
I N J U R IE S :
86 88
How t o make s u r e y o u
a r e p h y s i c a l l y f i t f o r c o m p e t i t i o n .......................... 2.
85
88
How t o p r e v e n t a n d c a r e f o r
t h e common b a s e b a l l i n j u r i e s
..........................................
89
v ii CHAPTER 3.
PAGE SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER: fu rth e r assistan ce
10.
HEALTH: 1.
. . . . . .
....................................
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
WARMING UP: a game
2.
W h ere t o g e t
. . . . . .
96
How t o warm u p d a i l y a n d b e f o r e .............................................................................
EQUIPMENT:
93
96
How t o w e a r a n d m a i n t a i n y o u r
e q u i p m e n t ............................................................................................
97
3.
SUITING UP:
98
4.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
How t o
fu rth e r assistan ce RESERVE SHELF: MAGAZINES:
FILM LIBRARY:
. . . . . .
W here t o
get
...................................................................
S p e c ia l books r e p e a te d ly c i t e d
V aluable a r t i c l e s
av ailab le
dress p ro p erly
99
.....................
102
. . . . . . .
1 04
....................................
10 5
th a t are re a d ily
..................................................................... P ic tu r e s of proven v alu e
v iil PREFACE TO THE COACH B a s e b a ll i s A m e ric a 's f a v o r i t e p a s tim e . in a l l p a rts
of t h i s
w orld w ith in th e
c o u n try , and i n a l l
It
s e c tio n s of the
sp h e re o f A m erican i n f l u e n c e .
A l l com
m u n itie s su p p o rt a b a s e b a l l program , w hether i t tio n leag u es,
i s played
is recrea
o r t a k e s t h e form o f s a n d l o t b a s e b a l l .
s c h o o ls , from ju n io r h ig h sp onsor b a s e b a l l team s.
schools to th e
Most
sm allest c o lle g e s,
N early a l l c i t i e s
o f any s iz e have
a p r o f e s s i o n a l team s p o n s o re d by t h e m a jo r l e a g u e s , th e u ltim ate goal of a l l b a se b a ll p la y e rs .
T his p o p u l a r i t y has
l e d t o a n i n c r e a s e d de mand f o r i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t w i l l b r i n g about the b a ll,
im provem ent o f young b a l l p l a y e r s '
as i t
sk ills.
i s p l a y e d t o d a y , i s f a r m ore s c i e n t i f i c
Base and
s k i l l f u l l th a n a t any tim e in th e p a s t . T h is m an u al was w r i t t e n f o r t h e e x p r e s s p u r p o s e o f p r e s e n t i n g a guide t o t h e coach f o r t e a c h i n g th e e le m e n ta ry fu ndam entals of b a s e b a l l .
It
i s n o t in te n d ed t o be used as
an o n ly m ethod o f t e a c h i n g , b u t t o a c t a s a g u id e i n s e l e c t in g the fundam entals t h a t w ith in is
sh o u ld be c o v e r e d .
d iv id ed in to th re e p a r ts ,
elem en tary le a r n in g sequence.
The m a t e r i a l
and a rr a n g e d i n a v e ry
P a rt one, covers o ffen siv e
f u n d a m e n ta ls , a prim e r e q u i s i t e f o r e v e ry good team .
P art
tw o, c o v e rs d e f e n s iv e f u n d a m e n ta ls , an e s s e n t i a l e le m e n t o f e v e ry ch am pionship team .
Part th re e ,
train in g ,
is
a ne
c e s s i t y i n e v e r y i n d i v i d u a l and team s p o r t .
It
i s hoped
t h a t t h i s m a n u a l w i l l b e a g u i d e f o r man y f u t u r e m a j o r l e a g u e p lay ers. My t h a n k s a n d a p p r e c i a t i o n a r e e x t e n d e d t o J u s t i n "Sam" B a r r y a n d R a u l " R o d" D e d e a u x . a n d p a t i e n c e t h a t m any o f t h e s e
I t was t h r o u g h t h e i r c o a c h i n g id e a s w ere f o r m u l a t e d .
x PREFACE TO THE STUDENTS B aseb all i s ab le,
a game t h a t
i s fu n , e n t e r t a i n i n g , and p r o f i t
d e p e n d in g on t h e i n d i v i d u a l ’ s o u t l o o k .
It
is
ju s t as
e a s y t o p l a y good b a s e b a l l a s b a d , b u t a l o t more f u n and a g r e a t d e a l more p r o f i t a b l e .
T h e r e i s much m o r e e n t e r t a i n m e n t
i n w a t c h i n g a g o o d b a s e b a l l game i f
yo u know w h a t i s
going on,
and can p r o f i t by u n d e rs ta n d in g th e d i f f e r e n t p la y s as th e y a rise . Many b a l l p l a y e r s h a v e b e e n h a n d i c a p p e d b y n o t h a v i n g been ta u g h t th e p ro p e r fundam entals e a r l y enough. to
They h a d
l e a r n th e fu n d am e n ta ls by w atch in g o t h e r s and t r y i n g t o
i m i t a t e them .
O ften t h e s e
t h a t had t o be r e l e a r n e d
le s s o n s o n ly ta u g h t bad h a b its
la te r.
valu ab le y ears of p ro fe s s io n a l c a r e e r s and th e
T h i s c o s t m any b a l l p l a y e r s ex perience, th u s lim itin g th e i r
tim e t h e y c o u ld spend i n t h e m a jo r l e a g u e s .
T h i s m an u a l i s p r e s e n t e d i n a m anner w h ic h w i l l a i d you i n m a s te rin g the b a s ic fu ndam entals m u st be rem em bered t h a t t h e r e field in g , sty le
or thro w in g .
th at w ill f i t
e a r l y enough t o school y e ars.
i s n o o ne s t a n d a r d f o r b a t t i n g ,
y o u r own p e r s o n a l a b i l i t y ,
and f i n d i t
i n yo u r j u n i o r h ig h and h ig h
i s n o t t h e i n t e n t i o n o f t h e m a n u a l t o make
a fin is h e d b a ll p la y e r o f th e b eg in n e r, but the o v e ra ll p ic tu r e played.
It
T h is book sh o u ld h e lp you f i n d a
develop i t It
o f good b a s e b a l l .
o f how t h e
j u s t t o g i v e him
game o f b a s e b a l l s h o u l d be
1
PART I .
BASEBALL OFFENSE
HOW TO OUTSCORE YOUR OPPONENT You h a v e p r o b a b l y h e a r d a c e r t a i n b a l l p l a y e r r e f e r r e d to .a s,
"Good f i e l d ,
no h i t . "
These p l a y e r s have m a s te re d th e
d e f e n s iv e f u n d a m e n ta ls , b u t have n e g l e c t e d th e m ain fu n d a m e n t a l s o f b a t t i n g , b u n t i n g , a n d b a s e „r u n n i n g .
The f o l l o w i n g
c h a p te r s w i l l p r e s e n t th e s e fu n d am en tals in a v e ry c l e a r m anner.
You s h o u l d p r a c t i c e a n d w o r k h a r d ,
w i l l r e f e r t o you a s ,
"Goo d f i e l d ,
so your co ach
good h i t . "
2 CHAPTER 1 .
OFFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS
HOW TO WIN GAMES BY PRODUCING RUNS A.
MOTIVATION: R e w a r d s
t h a t w i l l come f r o m b e i n g
a b e tte r
h itte r♦ 1*
VICTORY:
You w i l l w i n more games i f y o u c a n b r i n g
i n more r u n s w i t h y o u r h i t t i n g . 2.
SELF-CONFIDENCE:
I f you c a n h i t w e l l , you w on’t
have t o w o rry a b o u t f a c i n g good p i t c h e r s . 5.
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
B a se b all sco u ts are
alw ays l o o k in g f o r good h i t t e r s
t h a t have a l o t
of
power a t th e p l a t e . B.
DIRECTIONS: R e w a r d s
t h a t w i l l come f r o m b e i n g
a b etter
h itte r. 1.
BATTING:
How t o
sta n d a t the p l a t e .
a.
As sume a c o m f o r t a b l e p o s i t i o n a t t h e p l a t e .
b.
S t a n d a b o u t o ne f o o t f r o m t h e b a s e . c lo ser i f
c.
you a r e
(S tand
a choke h i t t e r . )
Stand to the rear of the batters box when facing a fast ball pitcher.
d.
S tand c l o s e r t o th e f r o n t
of th e box i f
th e
p i t c h e r i s a slow cu rve b a l l a r t i s t . e.
^ ta n d c lo s e enough t o th e b ase f o r th e b a t to cover the
f.
Assu m e t h e
outside c o rn e r. same s t a n c e e v e r y t i m e y o u go t o b a t .
(1)
Th e d i s t a n c e b e t w e e n t h e f e e t
i s an i n d i
v idual m atter. (2)
The f e e t
sh o u ld be p l a c e d p e r p e n d i c u l a r t o
the f l i g h t (3)
A w ide s t a n c e w i l l h e l p e l i m i n a t e a q u i c k step ,
h.
of the b a l l .
or o v e rs trid in g .
K eep y o u r e y e s o n t h e p i t c h e r a t a l l you a r e
in the b a t t e r s box.
i.
Knees s h o u ld be s l i g h t l y b e n t .
j.
D istrib u te
k.
Be c o m f o r t a b l e , a s t h i s poin t
STRIDE: a.
t i m e s w hen
th e w eight e v en ly over b o th f e e t .
in the
is
th e most im p o r ta n t
stan ce.
How t o s t e p w i t h t h e p i t c h .
Use a s t r i d e
th at f i t s
your in d iv id u a l s t y l e and
b u ild . (1)
The a v e r a g e
strid e
i s from e ig h t to te n
inche s . (2)
The s h o r t e r t h e
strid e,
t h e m o re c o n t r o l
you have o v e r y o u r sw in g . b.
D on’t is (1)
s t r i d e u n t i l you d e te r m i n e where t h e b a l l
going. S t e p s l i g h t l y away f r o m t h e p l a t e
on i n s i d e
p itc h es. (2)
S te p s l i g h t l y tow ard th e p l a t e
on o u t s i d e
p itc h es. (5)
S tep s t r a i g h t ahead f o r p itc h e s
down t h e
m id d le. c.
D o n ’ t k i c k u p t h e s t r i d i n g f o o t , b u t move i t a lo n g above the ground j u s t h ig h enough f o r th e spikes to
d.
clear
the d i r t .
T r a n s f e r th e w eig h t from th e b ack t o th e f r o n t fo o t.
e. 3.
C oordinate
THE SWING: a.
the
strid e,
sw ing, and f o llo w - th r o u g h .
How t o m e e t t h e b a l l .
Keep y o u r e y e o n t h e b a l l f r o m t h e t i m e i t th e p i t c h e r ’s hand u n t i l
leav es
i t m eets th e b a t .
b.
Lead t h e sw ing w i t h t h e f o r w a r d h i p .
c.
Take a c o n t r o l l e d s t r i d e
an d sw ing t h e b a t p a r a l
l e l to th e ground. d.
Lead t h e
sw ing w i t h t h e e lb o w s , k e e p in g th e
shoulders le v e l. e.
M eet t h e b a l l
i n f r o n t o f t h e b o d y w i t h t h e arm s
ex ten ded . f.
Keep t h e t r a d e - m a r k up when t h e b a t m e e t s t h e b a ll.
g.
S n a p t h e w r i s t s a t t h e moment t h e b a t c o n n e c t s w ith the b a l l . (1)
The b a c k w r i s t u n c o c k s a n d a d d s p o w e r t o t h e sw in g .
(2)
As t h e w r i s t u n c o c k s , i t r o l l s forw ard w ris t
and i n i t i a t e s
over the
the fo llo w -
through . h.
D o n ’t
sw ing t o o h a r d .
(1)
T h is c au se s p oor tim in g and b a la n c e .
(2)
A c o n t r o l l e d sw ing t h a t m e e ts th e b a l l w e l l o u t i n f r o n t i s much m o r e s a t i s f a c t o r y .
i.
F o llo w -th ro u g h w ith each sw ing. (1)
The b a t s h o u l d k e e p g o i n g i n a n a r c a r o u n d the body.
(2)
Use t h e f r o n t f o o t t o p u s h o f f t o f i r s t base a f t e r
th e w eight h as been t r a n s f e r r e d
to i t by the
sw ing.
j.
Keep t h e h e a d s t a t i o n a r y d u r i n g t h e e n t i r e
k.
Sw ing o n l y a t t h e good p i t c h e s .
SACRIFICE; a.
sw ing.
How t o b u n t .
M aintain your r e g u la r h i t t i n g
stan ce u n t i l ju s t
b efo re the p itc h e r d e liv e rs the b a l l . b.
As t h e p i t c h e r d e l i v e r s t h e b a l l ,
t u r n and fa c e
him . (1)
S tep s l i g h t l y
tow ard t h i r d b a se w ith th e
fro n t fo o t. (2)
B r in g th e r e a r f o o t up p a r a l l e l t o th e f r o n t f o o t and f a c e th e p i t c h e r .
(3)
Go i n t o a s l i g h t c r o u c h e d p o s i t i o n w i t h t h e
w e i g h t on t h e b a l l s (4)
of the f e e t .
Keep y o u r e y e on t h e b a l l u n t i l i t h i t s
the
b a t. Change y o u r g r i p on t h e b a t a s you t u r n t o f a c e the p i tc h e r . (1)
K eep t h e h a n d n e a r e s t t h e h a n d l e e n d sta tio n ary .
(2)
Move t h e o t h e r h a n d u p t h e b a t t o a b o u t t h e trade-m ark.
(3)
Keep t h e h a n d o n t h e
trade-m ark firm ,
g rip p in g th e b a t w ith the fo u r f i n g e r s and th e thum b. (4)
The h a n d n e a r e s t t h e h a n d l e e n d o f t h e b a t s h o u ld be h e l d l o o s e l y .
(T his deadens th e
b a l l on c o n t a c t w i t h t h e b a t . ) Be s u r e t h a t y o u b u n t t h e b a l l b e f o r e y o u s t a r t running. (1)
You a r e t r y i n g t o g e t a man i n s c o r i n g p o s i t i o n , and n o t t r y i n g t o g e t a b a se h i t .
(2)
I f you s a c r i f i c e p e r f e c t l y ,
it
w ill not
count a s a tim e a t b a t . Keep t h e a r m s e x t e n d e d w h i l e b u n t i n g . (1)
R e t r a c t t h e arm s s l i g h t l y a s t h e b a l l m e e ts the b a t.
(2)
It
i s e a s ie r to fo llo w th e b a l l
i f you lo o k
at it
over the to p o f the b a t .
f.
C atch th e b a l l w ith the b a t ,
d o n 't push.
g.
K eep t h e b a t on t o p o f t h e b a l l a n d d r i v e
it
in to
th e ground. h.
D o n ’t b u n t a t b a d b a l l s ,
a s a w alk i s
even b e t t e r
than a s a c r if ic e . SMART HITTING:
How t o b e a f i n e t e a m h i t t e r ,
as
w e ll a s a good s lu g g e r . a.
W atch f o r d e f e n s i v e w e a k n e s s e s w h i l e w a i t i n g f o r your tim e a t b a t . (1)
W a t c h f o r p l a y e r s w i t h weak a r m s .
(2)
T ry to
see
i f the p itc h e r is te le g ra p h in g
h is p itch es. b.
W atch f o r s i g n s fro m y o u r c o a c h on e a c h p i t c h .
c.
Follow h i s
s i g n s e x p l i c i t l y b e c a u s e i t may m ea n
t h e b a l l game. d.
Take a s t r i k e
i f th e p itc h e r is w ild ,
or has
w a l k e d t h e man i n f r o n t o f y o u . (1)
Use t h e w a s t e d s t r i k e
(2)
D o n ’t
to get your tim in g .
t r y t o make t h e u m p i r e m i s s i t b y a n y
w a ste d m otions i n th e b a t t e r s b ox. (3)
Take a s t r i k e
i f y o u r team i s more t h a n
th re e runs b eh in d . e.
H it the f i r s t
g o o d p i t c h i f y o u h a v e men i n
sco rin g p o s itio n .
f.
(1)
U nless th e r e a re
(2)
If
it
t h r e e b a l l s an d no s t r i k e s .
i s n ' t e x a c t l y th e p i t c h t h a t you w a n t.
H elp t h e b a s e r u n n e r t h a t i s t r y i n g t o from t h i r d
i f you a r e t h e n e x t h i t t e r .
(1)
C l e a r t h e a r e a o f t h e mask and t h e b a t .
(2)
T e l l t h e r u n n e r w h i c h way t o to avoid the
slid e
in order
tag .
(3)
T e l l him w h e t h e r t o
(4)
A d v ise him t o h u r r y , depending upon th e
g.
score
s t a n d up o r s l i d e . or to take h is
tim e,
situ atio n .
On t h e h i t - a n d - r u n s i g n , h i t
th e b a l l where i t
is p itc h ed . (1)
It the
i s b e s t to h i t b eh in d th e
ru n n er, because
s e c o n d b a s e m a n may b e m o v i n g i n t o c o v e r
second b a s e . (2)
D o n 't a l t e r y o u r sw ing and t r y t o h i t an in sid e p itc h to the
6.
THE BAT: a.
b.
How t o
o pposite f i e l d .
s e le c t th e c o rre c t b a t.
S e le c ta b a t long enough, w ith your s ta n c e , to cover
the o u tsid e
D o n 't
use a b a t t h a t i s to o heavy.
(1)
corner of the p l a t e .
U s u a l l y , a good m e a s u re i s a b o u t one ounce f o r ev ery in ch in le n g th .
(2) c.
A h e av y b a t w i l l r e t a r d y o u r sw ing.
P i c k a b a t made o f a s h f o r t h e b e s t d r i v i n g
I
9 q u a litie s. d.
e.
Notice the grain of the wood.
(1)
P i c k one w i t h c l o s e ,
stra ig h t g rain s.
(2)
D o n ’t u s e a b a t t h a t h a s u n e v e n g r a i n s .
Sw ing s e v e r a l b a t s and p i c k o u t t h e
one t h a t
f e e l s the b e s t to you. f.
Be s u r e t h a t t h e b a t i s p r o p e r l y b a l a n c e d .
g.
C h o o s e t h e h e a v i e s t b a t t h a t c a n b e swun g w i t h out d if f ic u lty .
7.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER;
Where t o
get fu rth er
assistan ce. a.
R eserve s h e l f ;
2;3-15;
3;5-8;
5*127-144;
7;33-85. b.
M agazines;
1.
c.
F ilm l i b r a r y ;
d.
H igh s c h o o l , c o l l e g e , and p r o f e s s i o n a l b a s e b a l l
1;
4;
5.
games • C.
ASSIGNMENTS;
S uggested a c t i v i t i e s
t h a t w i l l im prove
your h i tt i n g a b i l i t y . 1.
H it b a l l s a t v a rio u s h e ig h ts and over in s id e and o u ts id e c o rn e rs of th e p l a t e
2.
B u n t s e v e r a l p i t c h e s down t h e f i r s t lin e s
3.
from a b a t t i n g t e e . and t h i r d b a se
during your b a ttin g p r a c tic e p e rio d .
P r a c tic e your h i t t i n g and b u n tin g te c h n iq u e s in f r o n t o f a f u l l le n g th m irro r and c o r r e c t any m is-
t a k e s t h a t y o u may b e m a k i n g . 4.
Take b a t t i n g p r a c t i c e a n d p r a c t i c e
th e tech n iq u es
t h a t you h a v e l e a r n e d i n t h i s c h a p t e r . 5. D.
Use t h e s e f u n d a m e n t a l s i n y o u r n e x t l e a g u e g a m e .
EVALUATION:
A c h e c k on i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t
s h o u l d b e know n
about b a t t i n g . 1.
HATING SCALE:
P u t a number i n t h e a p p r o p r i a t e
accordin g to th e p la y e r 's
a b ility .
space
8-10 e x c e l l e n t
p r o g r e s s , 5 -7 a v e ra g e ad v an c em en t, below 5 - n e ed s much m o r e w o r k . a.
( )
B u n tin g a b i l i t y .
(Are t h e b a l l s p l a c e d
down t h e b a s e l i n e s ? ) b.
( )
L evel sw ing.
c.
( )
Sw ings o n l y a t
d.
( )
Keeps eye
e.
( )
Takes a c o n t r o l l e d s t r i d e and sw ing,
f*
( )
S teps w ith th e p itc h , and not in to i t .
g.
( )
H e lp s t h e b a s e r u n n e r when he i s
good p i t c h e s .
on t h e b a l l a t a l l t i m e s .
the
next
b a tte r. h.
( )
Has g o o d f o l l o w - t h r o u g h a n d q u i c k g e t - a - w a y to f i r s t base.
2..
TRUE-FALSE: or fa lse a.
Put an X in the p ro p e r space f o r tr u e
statem en ts.
T F ( ) ( )
Every p la y e r
should use th e
same s t a n c e ,
11 strid e, b .
( ) (
sw ing, and f o l lo w - th r o u g h .
) You s h o u l d s t a n d t o w a r d t h e f r o n t o f t h e b a t t e r s b o x when f a c i n g a f a s t b a l l p itc h er.
c.
( ) (
) I n s a c r i f i c i n g a man t o
second, never
bunt a t a bad p itc h . d.
( ) (
) I n b u n tin g , you sh o u ld p u sh th e b a l l down t h e f o u l l i n e s .
e.
( ) ( ) When b u n t i n g , y o u s h o u l d c o n c e n t r a t e o n m aking a good b u n t , r a t h e r t h a n t r y i n g to g et to f i r s t
f.
base.
( ) ( ) You s h o u l d l o o k f o r s i g n s b e f o r e e v e r y p itc h .
g.
( ) (
) When h i t t i n g , y o u s h o u l d h o l d t h e b a t w i t h t h e t r a d e - m a r k u p whe n t h e b a t s t r i k e s the b a l l .
h.
( } ( ) When b u n t i n g , y o u s h o u l d c o n c e n t r a t e o n g e t t i n g the b a l l by th e
charging in
field ers • i.
( ) ( ) You s h o u l d k e e p t h e a l l tim es d u rin g th e
j.
( ) ( ) When t h e
shoulders le v e l a t sw ing,
o p p o s i n g te a m i s more t h a n two
r u n s a h e a d , you s h o u ld sw ing a t t h e first
good p i t c h .
12 k.
( ) ( )
You s h o u l d s t a r t y o u r s t r i d e
t h e moment
th e b a l l le a v e s the p i t c h e r ’s hand.
15 CHAPTER 2 .
ROUNDING THE SACKS
HOW TO RUN THE EASES A.
MOTIVATION:
R e w a r d s t h a t w i l l come b y b e i n g a b e t t e r
base ru n n e r. 1.
MORE RUNS: You w i l l c r o s s t h e p l a t e
more
tim es a f t e r
you have l e a r n e d t o r u n t h e b a s e s p r o p e r l y . 2.
3.
EXTRA BASE H IT S:
o f more
doubles and t r i p l e s by your
s k i l l f u l base
THRILLS:
p r o p e r l y g i v e s a s many
th rills B.
You w i l l h a v e t h e t h r i l l
DIRECTIONS:
Running th e b a s e s as any o th e r p a r t
ru nning.
of b a s e b a ll.
Some h e l p f u l s u g g e s t i o n s t h a t w i l l a i d y o u r
base running te c h n iq u e s . 1.
THE START: How t o g e t a w ay
from th e b a se
in the
q u ic k e s t p o s s ib l e m anner. a.
S ta r t ru nning fo r f i r s t
b a s e t h e moment y o u h i t
the b a l l . (1)
D uring th e f o llo w -th ro u g h o f th e
sw ing,
your w eight i s over your f r o n t f o o t . o ff w ith the f r o n t f o o t,
(Push
and tak e th e f i r s t
s te p tow ard f i r s t b a se w ith th e r e a r f o o t . ) (2)
Drop y o u r b a t i m m e d i a t e l y ,
so t h a t you c an
u s e t h e arm s t o a i d y o u r r u n n i n g . (3)
Take s h o r t ,
choppy s te p s u n t i l a f u l l
ru n n in g s tr id e has been re a c h e d .
b.
Touch o r t a g e v e r y b a s e ;
n e v e r m iss a b a g .
c.
Run o u t e v e r y h i t n o m a t t e r w h e r e i t
d.
D o n ’t w a tc h t h e b a l l ,
goes.
w a t c h f i r s t b a s e a n d do
your utm ost to re a c h i t . e.
On b a s e h i t s ,
round f i r s t
b a se i n such a manner
t h a t you c a n t a k e a n e x t r a b a s e on a n y e r r o r . f.
Never s l i d e
in to f i r s t base u n le s s av o id in g a.
t a g b y t h e f i r s t b asem an on a w ide t h r o w . slid e
(A
a t a ny tim e means t h e l o s s o f s p e e d a nd
t im e.) g. 2.
Keep r u n n i n g u n t i l f i r s t b a s e h a s b e e n t o u c h e d .
THE PIVOT: a.
How t o r o u n d t h e b a s e s .
Use t h e p i v o t a n y t i m e y o u a r e t r y i n g f o r m o r e t h a n one b a s e ,
b.
or in rounding a b a s e .
S t a r t th e p iv o t by sw inging i n to f o u l t e r r i t o r y about f if te e n fe e t before f i r s t base. (1)
S t a r t th e t u r n by p u sh in g o f f t o th e r i g h t w ith your l e f t f o o t.
(2)
Sw ing y o u r l e f t
fo o t out a cro ss your r ig h t
fo o t. (3)
As t h e foot is
le f t foot h its
th e ground, th e r i g h t
swun g b a c k o v e r i n a l i n e
to the
base. (4)
H it th e bag w ith your l e f t f o o t , w i l l alm o st be in l i n e f o r
and you
second b a s e .
(5)
Never s h o r te n s t e p s j u s t b e fo r e r e a c h in g th e bag.
(T he p i v o t
s h o u l d b e made a t f u l l
sp e e d .) (6)
The s m a l l e r t h e a r c
of the p iv o t,
the
f a s t e r th e tim e i n c i r c l i n g th e b a s e s . Run w i t h o u t w a t c h i n g t h e b a l l u n l e s s i t
is
in
fro n t of you. (1)
L is te n fo r th e coach’s a d v ice.
(2)
D o n ’t a d v a n c e w i t h o u t t h e c o a c h ’ s a d v i c e , u n l e s s y o u a r e c e r t a i n y o u c a n make t h e next base.
In rounding th e
o th e r b a s e s , to u ch the in s id e
co rner w ith e ith e r
fo o t,
re ach es th e bag in
th e norm al s t r i d e .
SLIDE:
th e
How t o h i t
d e p e n d in g on w h ic h
foot
d irt.
S lid e to p rev e n t ov er-ru n n in g the b a s e . (1)
The s l i d e
i s not to
in ju re
or f r ig h te n apy-
on e, b u t t o g iv e t h e basem an as
sm all a
p a r t o f th e r u n n e r ’s body, as p o s s i b l e , to tag . (2)
Once y o u h a v e made u p y o u r m i n d t o i n t o a b a s e , d o n ’t
slid e
change i t .
T hro w y o u r b o d y s i d e w a y s away f r o m t h e b a l l , you l a n d w i t h t h e w e i g h t o f t h e b o d y on t h e low er lim b s , from th e h ip s to th e f e e t .
so
(1)
The
low er le g i s b e n t
slig h tly
(2)
The
upper le g i s u sed to hookth e
a t theknee. corner
of
th e b ase. (3)
Be c a r e f u l o f y o u r l o w e r l e g a n d do n o t l e t the
(4)
sp ik e s c a tc h i n the d i r t .
E x te n d y o u r arm s t o t h e r e a r . (a)
The h a n d o n t h e
sid e
on w h i c h y o u a r e
s lid in g w i l l drag in the d i r t . (b)
The o t h e r h a n d w i l l r e m a i n i n t h e a i r fo r b alan ce.
c.
The b a s e r u n n e r s h o u l d k e e p h i s e y e o n t h e
guard
in g basem an. (1)
I f th e basem an goes to w ard th e i n s i d e diam ond f o r t h e b a l l , your r ig h t
(2)
If
on
sid e.
th e basem an goes b ack f o r th e b a l l ,
slid e d.
you s h o u l d s l i d e
of the
on t h e l e f t
Do n o t u s e t h e b e n t - l e g
you
sid e. slid e
d i r e c t l y a t the
bag in ju n io r high school. e.
Do n o t u s e t h e h e a d - f i r s t
s l i d e u n t i l you hav e
h a d more p r a c t i c e . 4.
THE LEAD-OFF: a.
How t o make s t e a l i n g e a s y .
Never le a v e th e b a se u n t i l th e p i t c h e r h a s ste p p e d on t h e r u b b e r .
b.
Take y o u r l e a d d i r e c t l y i n l i n e w ith th e n e x t
17 base, c.
e x c e p t whe n y o u a r e on t h i r d b a s e ,
T a k e y o u r l e a d on t h i r d b a s e
in fo u l t e r r i t o r y
to av o id b e in g p u t out by a b a tt e d b a l l ,
(Any
f a i r b a tte d b a ll th a t h i t s a runner au to m ati c a l l y r e t i r e s h im .) d.
A safe
l e a d s h o u ld n o t ta k e you so f a r fro m t h e
b a s e t h a t you c a n ' t r e t u r n s a f e l y i f sh o u ld t u r n and th ro w .
(W ith t h i s
the p itc h e r
l e a d y o u do
n o t have to w orry about th e p o s i t i o n of the opposing p l a y e r s . ) e.
Never c r o s s y our l e g s i n g a in in g y o u r l e a d - o f f .
f.
D o n 't tak e
larg e
step s.
(Use t h e b o x e r ' s g l i d e
ste p .) g.
W atch t h e p i t c h e r c l o s e l y u n t i l he p i t c h e s t o ward t h e p l a t e • (1)
As s o o n a s t h e r u n n e r i s
sure t h a t th e
p i t c h e r h a s throw n to th e h i t t e r , be m oving i n a d i r e c t l i n e
he should
tow ard th e n e x t
base. (2)
He s h o u l d n o t move so f a r down t h e
lin e
t h a t h e c a n n o t g e t b a c k s a f e l y when t h e b a l l p a sse s the b a t t e r . h.
S t a y c l o s e r t o t h e b a g when a l e f t h a n d e r i s p itc h in g .
i.
W atch t h e p i t c h e r a t a l l t i m e s .
(Make s u r e t h a t
he h a s t h e b a l l and i s on t h e r u b b e r b e f o r e you v e n tu re from th e b a s e . THE STEAL: a.
How t o a d v a n c e a l o n g t h e b a s e p a t h s .
Take a n o rm al l e a d .
(A l o n g e r l e a d w i l l t e l e
graph your i n t e n t i o n s .) b.
W atch p i t c h e r s a i d you i n (1)
fo r any p e c u l ia r i ti e s
ste alin g .
P i t c h e r s c a n n o t t h r o w t o home p l a t e w i t h o u t ben d in g th e f r o n t k n ee. bends,
(2)
th at w ill
(When t h e k n e e
s t a r t ru n n in g .)
Any t i m e a p i t c h e r m a k e s a move t o t h e b a tter,
s t a r t ru nning.
(Beware o f l e f t
h a n d e r s .) c.
W atch c a t c h e r s f o r d i f f e r e n t e a sie r to
is
s t r a i g h t e n up to th ro w .)
G et a w a y a s q u i c k l y a s p o s s i b l e w hen y o u a r e going to
e.
(It
s t e a l on a low p i t c h , b e c a u s e t h e
catch er has to d.
sig n s.
steal.
Use t h e c r o s s - o v e r
step ,
o r open s t e p ,
depend
i n g u p o n y o u r own a b i l i t y . f.
Take s h o r t ,
choppy s t e p s ,
k e e p in g th e body low ,
u n t i l a f u l l running s tr id e has been a tt a i n e d . BE SMART:
How t o p l a y h e a d s - u p b a s e b a l l o n t h e
bases. a.
Always t r y t o g e t t o
s e c o n d b a s e on a h i t ,
o r on
19 an e r r o r . (1)
H u s t l i n g on t h e b a s e p a t h s c a n make t h e o p p o n e n t s make e r r o r s .
(2)
I f you g e t t o
second b a s e ,
it
elim in ates
th e n e c e s s ity f o r a s a c r if ic e p la y . b.
Do e v e r y t h i n g p o s s i b l e a r e a , w hich i s
to g et in to the
scoring
second o r t h i r d b a s e .
(1)
A dvance on g r o u n d b a l l s
i f y o u a r e on f i r s t .
(2)
Make t h e b a l l go t h r o u g h t h e i n f i e l d
i f you
a r e on s e c o n d o r t h i r d . (3)
A ttem pt t o
sc o re from t h i r d
man o n s e c o n d ,
i f th ere
is a
and a g round b a l l i s h i t t o
the i n f i e l d . (4)
Try t o b a ll
c.
sc o re from t h i r d b ase i f a ground
i s h i t to any o f th e
deep i n f i e l d e r s .
Tag up on f l y b a l l s . (1)
A r u n n e r s h o u ld r e t u r n to h i s b a se as soon a s he s e e s i t
(2)
is
going to be a f l y b a l l .
W a t c h t h e f i e l d e r a n d s t a r t r u n n i n g w hen t h e b a ll h i t s h is glove.
(3)
On f i r s t
and seco n d b a s e , go a b o u t h a lf w a y
and r e t u r n q u ic k ly i f th e b a l l i s
caught.
d.
Tag u p on f o u l f l i e s
e.
Be a l e r t a n d b e r e a d y t o a d v a n c e on a n y m i s p l a y s of th e o p p o sin g team .
an d be r e a d y t o a d v a n c e .
7.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
Where t o g e t f u r t h e r
assi stan ce. a.
R eserve s h e l f :
2;1650; 3 ;3 5 -4 0 ;5 ;1 4 4 -1 7 0 .
b.
M agazines:
c.
Film l i b r a r y :
d.
H igh s c h o o l , c o l l e g e ,
4. 2* 3 ;
4; 5 . and p r o f e s s io n a l
b aseb all
game s . C.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Some p r a c t i c e s
t h a t w i l l h e l p make y o u
a b e tte r base ru n n e r. 1.
Run o u t y o u r l a s t h i t the b a s e s
2.
in b a ttin g p ra c tic e
and round
slid in g in to th ir d .
Run t h e b a s e s f o r t i m e i n y o u r p r a c t i c e
sessio n s,
and keep a r e c o r d . 3.
D uring b a t t i n g p r a c t i c e have th e p i t c h e r t r y t o p ic k you o f f ,
and have th e c a t c h e r t r y
t o th r o w you o u t
ste alin g . D.
EVALUATION:
A c h e c k on i n f o r m a t i o n
t h a t s h o u l d b e known
about base ru n n in g . 1.
RATING SCALE:
R ate th e p l a y e r a c c o rd in g t o h i s b a s e -
r u n n i n g a b i l i t y b y p u t t i n g t h e a p p r o p r i a t e number i n the p ro p er space.
8-10 e x c e l l e n t p r o g r e s s ,
5-7 a v e r
a g e a d v a n c e m e n t , b e l o w 5 - n e e d s much m o r e w o r k . a.
( } Hook s l i d e s ,
le ft.
b.
( )
rig h t.
Hook s l i d e s ,
c.
( ) P iv o ts.
d.
( ) A b ility to g et the
jum p o n p i t c h e r s a n d
c atch ers. e.
( ) Takes l e a d - o f f p r o p e r l y .
STUDENT RATING SCALE: o n e s t h a t you a r e
P ut an X in the
spaces of the
doing p r o p e r l y and u n d e r s t a n d .
a.
( ) Run o u t e v e r y h i t a s f a s t a s y o u c a n .
b.
{ ) L i s t e n and lo o k f o r i n s t r u c t i o n s from yo u r base coaches.
c.
( ) Take y o u r l e a d s d i r e c t l y i n l i n e w i t h t h e next b a se .
d.
( } Never le a v e th e b a s e u n t i l th e p i t c h e r h as taken h is p o s itio n
e.
on t h e r u b b e r .
( ) N e v er c r o s s y o u r l e g s when t a k i n g y o u r l e a d off.
f .
( } S lid e
on t h e o p p o s i t e s i d e o f t h e b a s e t o
w hich th e b a l l i s TRUE-FALSE: or fa ls e a.
throw n.
P u t an X i n t h e p r o p e r s p a c e f o r t r u e
statem en ts.
T F ( ) ( )
I f you see t h a t you a r e g o in g t o be throw n o u t a t f i r s t b a s e , t h e r e
i s no
need f o r to u ch in g th e b a s e . b.
( ) ( )
The i n t e n t i o n o f t h e b a s e r u n n e r i n slid in g
is to
scare
dropping th e b a l l .
the opponent i n to
22 c.
( ) ( ) You s h o u l d b e a b l e t o w e l l on e i t h e r
d.
( ) ( ) The p i v o t i s
slid e eq u ally as
sid e.
o nly used in rounding f i r s t
base. e.
() (
) You t a k e y o u r l e a d - o f f f r o m t h i r d b a s e d i r e c t l y on t h e f o u l l i n e .
f.
( ) ( ) T h e r e i s no n e e d f o r t a g g i n g up on a long f o u l b a l l .
g.
() ( ) It
is
q u ite p o ssib le
to
stre tc h
sin g les
i n t o e x t r a b ase h i t s by j u s t h u s t l i n g . h.
( ) ( ) N e v e r c h a n g e y o u r m i n d whe n y o u d e c i d e to
i.
slid e.
( ) ( ) You s h o u l d b e g i n r u n n i n g j u s t a s s o o n a s you h a v e
s e e n where t h e b a l l i s g o i n g .
23
PART I I .
BASEBALL DEFENSE
HO?/ TO KEEP YOUR OPPONENTS FROM SCORING The d e f e n s e
i n b a s e b a l l i s an i n t r i c a t e
a re c e r t a i n fun dam entals t h a t
sy stem .
There
s h o u l d b e known a b o u t e a c h
p o s i t i o n i n o r d e r t o make a g o o d d e f e n s e f u n c t i o n .
Some o f
th e se fu ndam entals a re p re s e n te d in th e fo llo w in g c h a p te r s . ?/ith p ro p e r p r a c t i c e
in th ese
fund am en tals,
and w orking
c l o s e l y w i t h y o u r c o a c h , you can h a v e a j u n i o r h i g h s c h o o l t e a m d e f e n s e w o r k i n g on m a j o r l e a g u e p r i n c i p l e s .
L e t ’ s go I
24 CHAPTER 3 .
DEFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR DEFENSIVE PLAY A.
MOTIVATION:
R e w a r d s t h a t may come t o y o u b y i m p r o v i n g
your In d iv id u a l defensive a b i l i t y * 1.
CONFIDENCE:
You w i l l e x p e r i e n c e t h e t h r i l l
of clo se
team p l a y a s you and you r team m ates g a in c o n f id e n c e in each o t h e r s ’ a b i l i t y 2.
RESPECT:
to throw and c a tc h a c c u r a t e l y .
Your o p p o n e n ts w i l l n o t t r y t o
take ad
v antage o f your c a tc h in g or th ro w in g w eak n esses. 3.
PERSONAL ENJOYMENT: b a l l more i f
You w i l l e n j o y t h e game o f b a s e
you c an c a t c h e a s i l y an d th ro w a c c u
rate ly . B.
DIRECTIONS:
A f e w s u g g e s t i o n s t h a t w i l l make t h r o w i n g
and c a t c h i n g e a s i e r . 1.
THROWING: a.
How t o i m p r o v e y o u r t h r o w i n g a b i l i t y .
Know w h e r e y o u a r e
go in g t o throw and throw to
th at ta r g e t• b.
H o l d t h e b a l l f i r m l y a g a i n s t t h e th u m b p a d w i t h th e in d ex and second f i n g e r , and l e t r e s t a g a in s t the (1)
inside
the b a l l
of the t h i r d f i n g e r .
P l a c e t h e two f o r e f i n g e r s a c r o s s a seam top o f th e b a l l ,
a n d t h e th u m b a c r o s s a s e a m
on t h e b o t t o m o f t h e b a l l . (2)
on
S h ift th e f in g e r s to t h is p o s itio n a u to -
m a t i c a l l y a f t e r you c a t c h t h e h a l l . P i t c h e r s an d o u t f i e l d e r s u s e t h e f u l l arm t h r o w , because i t (1)
g i v e s more s p e e d an d a c c u r a c y .
B ring th e b a l l in back of th e body w ith a f u l l arm s w in g , k e e p i n g t h e arm n e a r l y stra ig h t.
(2)
C ontinue t h i s
sw ing f o r w a r d o v e r t h e th ro w
in g sh o u ld er and r e l e a s e th e b a l l w ith a d o w n w ard s n a p o f t h e w r i s t .
(T h e a r m s h o u l d
rem ain alm ost f u l l y e x te n d e d d u rin g th e e n tire (3)
throw ing c y c l e .)
P o l l o w - t h r o u g h w i t h t h e th r o w in g arm g o in g down t o t h e (a)
o u tsid e of th e o p p o site
The r i g h t a r m o u t s i d e o f t h e
leg .
l e f t leg
fo r rig h t handers. (b)
The b o d y s h o u l d r o t a t e
w i t h t h e arm
and be b e n t f o r w a r d w i t h t h e t h r o w in g s h o u ld e r p o i n t i n g tow ard th e gro u n d . (4)
C ontinue th e f o llo w - th r o u g h by
b rin g in g the
t h r o w i n g l e g up t o t h e f o r w a r d l e g t o m a in t a i n b a la n c e and p o s i t i o n . I n f i e l d e r s and c a tc h e r s use th e fa c ilita te s
g e ttin g rid
snap th ro w w hich
of the b a l l In a h u rry .
(1)
B ring th e b a l l back as f a r as
(2)
T h r o w t h e b a l l w i t h a d o w n w ard
the e a r . snap o f th e
26 arm a n d w r i s t ,
r e l e a s i n g t h e b a l l when t h e
arm i s f u l l y e x t e n d e d . (3) e.
F o llo w -th ro u g h w it h th e arm , body and l e g .
In field ers,
p i t c h e r s , and c a tc h e r s use th e u n d er
hand throw in f i e l d i n g (1)
slow h i t b a l l s and b u n t s .
The u n d e r h a n d t h r o w i s
t h e f u l l arm th ro w
w ithout s tr a ig h te n in g up. (2)
Use t h e u n d e r h a n d t h r o w t o g e t f a s t b a s e r u n n e r s and t o i n i t i a t e
(3)
the
double p l a y .
N e v e r u s e t h e u n d e r h a n d t h r o w when i t p o ssib le
to throw o v e rh a n d .
accuracy f o r
is
(You s a c r i f i c e
speed in g e ttin g r i d
of the
b a ll.) (4) f .
O u t f i e l d e r s n e v e r use th e underhand throw .
S t e p d i r e c t l y to w a rd th e t a r g e t a t w h ich you a r e th ro w in g .
g.
T r a n s f e r t h e w e ig h t from t h e b a c k f o o t t o t h e f r o n t f o o t a s t h e arm i s b r o u g h t f o r w a r d .
h.
R elease th e b a l l over the t i p s
of the f o r e f in g e r s ,
i n o r d e r t o make t h e b a l l t r a v e l i n a s t r a i g h t lin e .
( I f th e b a l l
index f i n g e r , i.
o f f the s id e of th e
w ill c u rv e .)
Throw o v e r h a n d w h e n e v e r p o s s i b l e , g reater
j .
it
slip s
a s you c a n g e t
speed and a c c u r a c y .
Use t h e u n d e r h a n d t h r o w w h e n y o u do n o t h a v e
tim e t o
s t r a i g h t e n up a n d u s e t h e o v e r h a n d t h r o w .
(D o n ’t h i d e k.
s h o r t throw s w ith yo u r g l o v e .)
I f m o v i n g , u s e a s h o r t h o p o r jump t o g e t t h e w eight over th e hack f o o t b e fo re th ro w in g th e b a ll.
1.
Use a s t r i d e d istan ce
m.
th at
corresponds w ith th e
speed and
of th e throw ,
Throw t h e
same way d u r i n g a b a l l game a s y o u do
in p ra c tic e . CATCHING:
How t o m a s t e r t h e e l e m e n t a r y f u n d a m e n t a l s
of catch in g . a.
S tand w ith th e f e e t a c o m fo rta b le d is ta n c e a p a r t w ith the to es p o in tin g (1)
stra ig h t ahead.
Bend t h e k n e e s s l i g h t l y w i t h t h e arm s i n f r o n t of th e body,
(2)
or re s tin g
on t h e k n e e s .
T ra n s fe r th e w eight to th e b a l l s feet,
of the
so t h a t you w i l l be r e a d y t o go i n
any d i r e c t i o n q u ic k ly to g et th e b a l l .
b.
(3)
Keep r e l a x e d ;
d o n ’t f i g h t
the b a l l .
(4)
D o n ' t move u n t i l t h e b a l l i s h i t
or throw n.
C atch th e b a l l w ith your hand r e la x e d . (1)
T ig h t f in g e r s a c t l ik e let
a sp rin g and w i l l
the b a l l bounce out of th e g lo v e .
(2)
K eep t h e a r m s e x t e n d e d w hen m e e t i n g t h e b a l l .
(3)
As t h e b a l l h i t s
th e g l o v e , a l l o w t h e arm s
to give
slig h tly to reliev e
the shock of
the im p a c t. (4)
A l w a y s move t o y o u r l e f t ,
or r i g h t ,
in order
t o c a t c h t h e b a l l on t h e t h r o w i n g s i d e o f th e body and i n a p o s i t i o n to
get r id
of i t
q uickly, (5)
C lose th e b a re hand over th e glove as
soon
as the b a l l e n te rs th e p o c k et. C atch h ig h b a l l s ,
or b a lls
above th e w a i s t by
e x t e n d i n g t h e arm s w i t h t h e p alm s o u t a n d t h e thum bs t o g e t h e r . (1)
Move t o c a t c h t h e b a l l o f f o f t h e t h r o w i n g sh o u ld er.
(2)
When l e a v i n g t h e g r o u n d k e e p t h e b o d y e r e c t a n d t h e arm s o u t s t r e t c h e d , b e i n g i n a p o sitio n
t o th ro w t h e b a l l when you l a n d .
C a t c h low b a l l s ,
o r b a l l s below th e w a i s t , w i t h
t h e f i n g e r s p o i n t i n g down a n d w i t h t h e
little
fin g ers to g eth er. (1)
Bend t h e b o d y f o r w a r d w i t h t h e arm s e x tended.
(2)
Move t o c a t c h t h e b a l l on t h e t h r o w i n g sid e
of the body,
so t h a t you w i l l be i n a
b e t t e r throw ing p o s i t io n . (3)
C atch a r a i s i n g b a l l a t th e w a is t w ith th e
29 thum bs t o g e t h e r . (4)
C atch a drop p in g b a l l a t t h e ‘ w a is t w ith th e f i n g e r s p o i n t e d down a n d t h e
little
fin g ers
to g eth er. e.
C atch ground b a l l s
on t h e
sh o rt hop, or a f te r
th ey p ass th e peak of t h e i r bounce. (1)
D o n ’t p l a y t h e b a l l o n t h e u p b o u n c e , b e c a u s e y o u d o n ’t h a v e t i m e t o make a n y c o r rectio n s .
(2)
K e ep y o u r e y e o n t h e b a l l a t a l l t i m e s .
(3)
N o tic e where t h e b a l l h i t s first
tim e , th e n judge w hich bounce and
w here you a r e (4)
th e ground th e
going t o p l a y i t .
Use tw o h a n d s i n f i e l d i n g g r o u n d b a l l s a s much a s p o s s i b l e .
(5)
P la y the b a l l ;
d o n ’t
le t
i t p lay you.
(6)
C h a r g e t h e b a l l when a t a l l p o s s i b l e .
(7)
Keep t h e t r u n k s t r a i g h t a n d b e n d t h e k n e e s
*
whe n g o i n g down f o r a g r o u n d b a l l . (8)
P lay the b a l l o ff of the r i g h t fo o t
so t h a t
t h e f i e l d i n g a n d t h r o w i n g come i n o n e m o t i o n . (9) f.
G et i n f r o n t o f t h e b a l l .
C atch a l l f l y b a l l s
above y o u r h e a d so you c a n
w atch th e f l i g h t o f th e b a l l i n t o th e g lo v e . (l)
G et u n d e r t h e b a l l a s q u i c k l y a s p o s s i b l e .
(2)
C a t c h a l l f l y b a l l s on y o u r t h r o w i n g s i d e to f a c i l i t a t e
(3)
a f a s t throw .
C a tc h a l l b a l l s w ith palm s o u t and th e thum bs t o g e t h e r w h e n ev e r p o s s i b l e .
(4)
Keep t h e h a n d s i n f r o n t o f t h e b o d y , t h e n r e a c h u p e a s i l y a t t h e l a s t moment a n d make the c a tc h .
DEFENSTVE STRATEGY:
How t o d e v e l o p s o u n d d e f e n s i v e
tech n iq u e s. a.
K e ep b a s e r u n n e r s f r o m t h e ever p o ssib le . (1)
s c o r i n g p o s i t i o n when
(Second o r t h i r d b a s e . )
Know t h e game s i t u a t i o n , of o u ts , the
su c h a s t h e number
i n n i n g , t h e s c o r e , a n d t h e men
on b a s e • (2)
Have e v e r y p o s s i b l e p l a y f i g u r e d o u t b e f o r e the p itc h e r p i tc h e s .
b.
D o n ’t (1)
th ro w t h e b a l l t o o much, o r t o o o f t e n . E v e ry tim e a th ro w i s made, t h e r e
is a
chance f o r an e r r o r . (2)
You s h o u l d h a v e a g o o d r e a s o n f o r t h r o w i n g th e b a l l each tim e .
(3)
D o n ' t a t t e m p t t o make t h e
im possible p lay ;
i t ’s f o o lis h . c.
P lay a c lo se
i n f i e l d w he n y o u r t e a m c a n n o t a f f o r d
t o g iv e up a r u n .
(1)
B ring the
i n f ie ld e r s in s id e th e base lin e s
i n a n a t t e m p t t o k e e p a r u n n e r on t h i r d f r o m sco rin g . (2)
Use t h e c l o s e is
i n f i e l d w hen t h e w i n n i n g r u n
o n t h i r d b a s e , a n d y o u d o n ’t
c a re what
happens to th e b a t t e r . (3)
Never u se t h e c l o s e s t a g e s o f th e game.
i n f i e l d in the e a r l y (T his in fo rm a tio n g iv e s
t o o much a d v a n t a g e t o t h e b a t t e r . ) d.
P l a y a d e e p i n f i e l d w hen a r u n c a n b e g i v e n w i t h out the (1)
l o s s o f th e game.
Let th e t y in g ru n s c o r e , b u t keep th e w inning ru n from r e a c h i n g s c o r i n g p o s i t i o n .
(2)
I n t h e deep p o s i t i o n you w i l l t a k e base h i t s
the
aw ay f r o m t h e weak h i t t e r s ,
cut o ff the i n f i e l d h i t s SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
and
of th e good h i t t e r s .
W here t o g e t f u r t h e r
assi stan ce. a.
R eserve s h e l f :
2;98-130;
3 ;1 -4 ,2 7 -3 1 ;
5;119-
124; 6 ; 1 2 1 - 1 2 6 . b.
M agazines:
c.
Film l i b r a r y :
d.
High s c h o o l , game s •
4; 6; 3;
7. 4;
5.
c o lle g e , and p ro fe s s io n a l b a s e b a ll
32 C.
ASSIGNMENTS:
S u g g e s t e d a c t i v i t i e s t h a t w i l l make d e
fen siv e p lay e a s i e r . 1.
P l a y i n a p e p p e r game f o r t w e n t y m i n u t e s a n d p r a c t i c e t h e c o r r e c t m ethods o f th r o w in g , c a t c h i n g , and h u stlin g .
2.
D iv id e i n t o team s and ta k e p rac tic e,
te n m inutes of i n f i e l d
then p la y a sh o rt in tra -s q u a d b a s e b a ll
game . 3.
Take y o u r p o s i t i o n
in th e f i e l d d u rin g b a ttin g
p r a c t i c e a n d c a t c h a l l b a l l s h i t t o y o u , m aking t h e p ro p e r throw s to th e r i g h t b a s e s . D.
EVALUATION?
A c h e c k on i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t s h o u l d b e known
about defensive b a s e b a ll. 1.
RATING SCALE:
P l a c e a number t h a t c o r r e s p o n d s w i t h
' the p l a y e r 's a b i l i t y
in th e a p p ro p ria te sp ace.
8-10
e x c e p t i o n a l p r o g r e s s , 5 - 7 a v e r a g e a d v a n c e m e n t, below 5 - n e e d s much m o r e w o r k . a.
( )
Throw ing t e c h n i q u e .
b.
( )
A ccuracy in throw ing d u rin g
c.
( }
H u stlin g .
d.
C atch in g d u rin g i n f i e l d p r a c t i c e .
e.
(1)
( )
F ly b a l l s .
(2)
( )
Ground b a l l s .
(3)
( )
T hrow s.
( )
A b i l i t y t o work w i t h
in fie ld p rac tic e.
o th erp la y e rs.
f.
( )
C o o p e r a tio n w ith c o a c h e s and o t h e r p l a y e r s .
TRUE-FALSEt
P u t an X i n t h e c o r r e c t s p a c e f o r t r u e
or f a ls e . T a.
(
F ) ( } You
s h o u ld alw ays s te p d i r e c t l y to w ard
th e t a r g e t a t w hich you a r e t h r o w i n g . b.
(
) ( ) The
u n d e r h a n d t h r o w i s m uch m o r e a c c u
rate c.
( ) ( )
th a n th e overhand th ro w .
O u tfield ers
sh o u ld alw ays use th e o v e r
hand th ro w . d.
(
) ( ) C atch ers and i n f i e l d e r s use
should n ev er
snap th ro w s b e c a u se t h e r e
is a
dang er o f h u r t i n g t h e arm . e.
(
) ( ) The
snap throw d oes n o t r e q u i r e a
fo llo w -th ro u g h . f.
(
) ( ) When c a t c h i n g a b a l l ,
the f in g e r s
should
be h e l d r i g i d a n d r e a d y t o g r a b t h e b a l l . g.
(
) ( ) You
s h o u l d a l w a y s c a t c h t h r o w s on t h e
rig h t h.
(
sid e
of th e body.
) ( ) You s h o u l d c a t c h a l l f l y b a l l s w i t h o n e hand.
i.
(
) ( ) You s h o u l d f i e l d a l l g r o u n d b a l l s before
they h i t
the ground,
ju st
or b efo re
th e y re a c h the peak of t h e i r b ounce, j.
(
) ( ) P itch ers
should f i e l d
a ll f ly b a lls th at
come down o n t h e p i t c h e r s m o u n d .
34 k.
( ) ( )
You s h o u l d a l w a y s t h r o w the
i n a b a l l game,
same w a y t h a t y o u t h r o w i n p r a c t i c e #
35 CHAPTER 4 .
PITCHING
HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE PITCHER A.
MOTIVATION:
R e w a r d s t h a t may r e s u l t f r o m d e v e l o p i n g
b e tte r p itc h in g tech n iq u e s* 1.
ATTENTION;
O ther p l a y e r s and s tu d e n ts adm ire a
p l a y e r who c a n p i t c h w e l l . 2.
CONTROL:
You w i l l b e a b l e t o t h r o w t h e b a l l w h e r e
you want i t 3.
a t any tim e .
IMPORTANCE:
You w i l l b e p l a y i n g a p o s i t i o n
g e n e r a l l y regarded, a s defensive 4.
B.
DIRECTIONS:
is
o f a team *s
stre n g th .
FEVfflR HITS AND RUNS: b a tter
seventy p e r cent
th at
le ss to h i t
You w i l l o f f e r t h e o p p o s i n g
as your p itc h in g a b i l i t y
dev elop s.
Some h e l p f u l s u g g e s t i o n s t h a t w i l l a i d i n
im proving you r p i t c h i n g a b i l i t y . 1.
WARM-UP: How t o p r o t e c t
y o u r arm .
a.
calisth e n ics,
S ta rt o ff w ith lig h t
on s t r e t c h i n g e x e r c i s e s .
w ith em phasis
(The p i t c h e r s h o u l d
wear a wool u n d e r s h i r t b e n e a th h i s u n if o r m s h i r t .) b.
S t a r t t o s s i n g t h e b a l l from a s h o r t d i s t a n c e g r a d u a l l y w ork up t o t h e r e g u l a r p i t c h i n g d istan ce.
c.
G radually in c re a se th e
speed of your p itc h e s ,
and
u sin g only the f a s t b a l l , (1)
Throw ing c u r v e s a t t h i s age m ig h t i n j u r e your arm ,
(2) d.
Work o n c o n t r o l d u r i n g t h e w a r m - u p p e r i o d .
Do n o t w o r k w i t h a n y o t h e r p i t c h e s u n t i l y o u have le a r n e d to c o n tr o l th e f a s t b a l l ,
e.
S tart
s p i n n i n g a few e a s i l y , b u t no s h a r p -
break in g c u rv e s . th is
(W orking on t h e c u r v e b a l l a t
age i s n o t t o d e v elo p a s h a r p - b r e a k i n g
c u rv e , b u t to develop c o n t r o l . ) f .
Th ro w s e v e r a l p i t c h e s u s i n g t h e
s ta n c e you w ould
u s e i f t h e r e w a s a man on b a s e . g.
A f t e r t h o r o u g h l y w arm ing u p , t h r o w s e v e n o r e i g h t f a s t p itc h e s , and ease o ff w ith about te n
sem i
fa st b a lls, h.
P u t on a j a c k e t a f t e r w arm ing up t o k e e p y o u r a r m w a rm .
i.
A l w a y s warm u p f r o m t h e p r o p e r p i t c h i n g d i s t a n c e .
STANCE: a.
How t o
s t a n d on t h e p i t c h i n g mound.
Use t h e f o r w a r d s t a n c e
i f th ere
i s n o one on
base. (1)
P lace your r i g h t
fo o t,
or p iv o t fo o t fo r
r i g h t h a n d e r s , upon and i n f r o n t o f , p itch in g ru b b er.
the
(Always k e e p t h e p i v o t
fo o t in c o n ta c t w ith th e r u b b e r .)
37 (2)
P la c e th e b a c k fo o t upon th e b a ck edge of th e ru b b e r or d i r e c t l y b e h in d i t , n e v e r t o the
sid e.
( W e i g h t s h o u l d be u p o n t h e b a c k
f o o t .) (3)
K eep t h e b o d y c o m p l e t e l y r e l a x e d a n d a l l o w t h e arm s t o h a n g l o o s e l y a t t h e s i d e , o r rest
(4)
l i g h t l y behind t h e body.
Use t h i s
s ta n c e w henever a w ind-up i s p e r
m itted .
( I t allo w s the p itc h e r to o b ta in
th e
c a tc h e r's
s i g n a l w i t h a m inim um w a s t e
o f tim e and e n e r g y .) W i t h men o n b a s e , u s e t h e m inim ize t h e chan ce (1)
sidew ard sta n c e t o
of b alk s.
P lace your r i g h t fo o t
in co n tact w ith th e
rubber. (a)
The r i g h t f o o t
sh o u ld be p a r a l l e l t o
th e ru b b er. (b)
The l e f t f o o t
i s e x t e n d e d t o w a r d home
p late i (2)
Open t h i s
stan ce
s l i g h t l y b y m oving t h e l e f t
f o o t to w ard f i r s t b a s e ,
in o rd e r to w atch
t h e man o n b a s e w i t h o u t a n y t e l l - t a l e
move
m ents o f t h e h e a d . (3)
P itc h e rs tak e t h e i r w ith t h is
stan ce.
sig n from th e ru b b e r
c.
S t r e t c h th e arm s overh ead t o lo o s e n yo u ru n d e r s h i r t around th e sh o u ld e rs and elbo w s.
d.
Keep y o u r e y e o n t h e c a t c h e r ' s t a r g e t when start
to throw .
DELIVERY: a.
How t o t h r o w t h e b a l l b y t h e h i t t e r .
Use a w i n d - u p w i t h t h e f o r w a r d (1)
you
stan ce.
Sw ing b o t h arm s fro m t h e s h o u l d e r i n a r o c k in g m otion.
(2)
S h i f t th e w eight t o
the back le g , keeping
the f r o n t leg in c o n ta ct w ith th e ru b b er a t a l l tim es. (3)
P iv o t
slig h tly
b rin g the
on t h e f o r w a r d f o o t a s you
glove fo rw a rd an d o v erh ead t o
cover th e b a l l . (4)
Move f o r w a r d a n d s h i f t t h e w e i g h t
over th e
front fo o t. (5)
T w i s t t h e b o d y aw ay (a)
from th e p l a t e .
B rin g th e b a l l and g love hand to th e cro tch .
(b)
R aise th e l e f t
leg a l l
i n one m o tio n
f o r b alan ce and d e c e p tio n . (6)
K e e p t h e e y e s on t h e t a r g e t d u r i n g t h e e n t i r e w ind-up.
b.
S t r e t c h t h e arm s h i g h above t h e h e a d a n d b r i n g th e b a l l and glove t o r e s t
in fro n t
of th e chest
39 when u s i n g t h e
sidew ard s ta n c e .
(You m u s t p a u s e
a f u l l second i n t h i s p o s i t i o n b e f o r e m aking th e p i t c h .) c.
D r o p t h e p i t c h i n g a r m down a n d b e h i n d y o u , t h e n stra ig h ten i t
d.
S t a r t t h e m ov em en t b y s t e p p i n g f o r w a r d w i t h t h e left
e.
o u t.
l e g and p u s h in g o f f w ith t h e r i g h t l e g .
Cock y o u r a rm s l i g h t l y ,
and l e a d t h e
throw w ith
t h e elbow . f.
P la n t the
left
of th e p itc h .
fo o t before b rin g in g (Make t h i s
in th e fo rce
s t r i d e t h e same o n a l l
p itc h e s.) g.
R elease th e b a l l a t th e
forw ard p o in t o f your
m o tio n u s in g an o v e rh a n d th ro w . h.
Use a l o w , q u i c k s t r i d e ,
and a q u ic k throw from
th e sidew ard s ta n c e . (1)
D o n ’ t u s e a s much l e g m o t i o n f r o m t h i s stan ce.
(2)
Use t h e
same l e n g t h o f s t r i d e ,
and th e
same
arm m o tio n a s u s e d i n t h e f o r w a r d s t a n c e . (3)
P i t c h the b a l l q u ic k ly b e fo re th e ru n n e r has a chance to
get a le a d - o f f fo r the next
base. i.
Use t h e same m o t i o n t o t h r o w t h e to throw th e f a s t b a l l .
c u r v e a s y o u do
FOLLOW-THROUGHt
How t o g e t i n t o a p o s i t i o n t o f i e l d
the b a ll a f t e r th e p itc h . a.
B r i n g t h e t h r o w i n g arm on t h r o u g h a f t e r t h e p itc h . (1)
A llow t h e arm t o
flow th ro u g h th e t a r g e t .
(2)
D o n ’t u s e a n y u n e v e n o r j e r k y m o t i o n s i n p itc h in g .
b.
B rin g t h e back f o o t aro u n d w ith th e m otion o f th e fo llo w -th ro u g h ,
and p l a n t i t
s l i g h t l y ahead of
the f r o n t f o o t . (1)
T h i s p u t s you i n a p o s i t i o n t o f i e l d b a lls
(2)
th at
any
are h i t back th ro u g h the box.
M ain tain t h i s
sta n ce a f t e r the p i tc h ,
as
y o u a r e r e a d y t o go i n a n y d i r e c t i o n a f t e r the b a l l . c.
F ollo w -th ro u g h a f t e r
every p itc h to prevent a
so re arm . d.
D evelop a s t y l e
of th ro w in g t h a t w i l l f i t y o u r
p h y s i c a l m ake-up. e.
Keep
y o u r eye
f .
Take
th e b a l l from th e
th at it
on t h e b a l l a t
a l l tim es.
t h i r d basem an e v e r y tim e
i s h a n d l e d b y a n y team member, o t h e r t h a n
a d i r e c t throw fro m th e c a t c h e r . (l)
T h is w i l l keep you from f o l l o w i n g t h e b a l l e v e ry tim e
it
is
throw n aro u n d t h e
in fie ld .
41 (2)
P r e s e r v e y o u r e n e r g y u n t i l you r e c e i v e t h e b a l l from th e t h i r d basem an.
PITCHES: a.
How t o t h r o w t h e f a s t b a l l a n d c u r v e .
Use y o u r f a s t b a l l a t d i f f e r e n t th a n depend on y o u r c u rv e w h ile
speeds, r a th e r in ju n io r high
school. (1)
D evelop c o n t r o l of t h e f a s t b a l l b e f o r e . s t a r t i n g t o w o r k on t h e c u r v e .
(2)
M o st y o u n g p i t c h e r s
get in to tro u b le as a
r e s u l t of w alks, r a t h e r th an h i t s . b.
H o l d t h e f a s t b a l l a n d t h e c u r v e w i t h t h e sa m e g rip .
c.
Throw t h e f a s t b a l l w i t h a downward s n a p o f t h e w rist,
w ith th e b a ll r o l l i n g
in d ex and m iddle f i n g e r s .
over the t i p s
(T he b a l l
s p in n in g d i r e c t l y b a c k tow ard y ou, released i t d.
of the
s h o u ld be
i f you h a v e
p ro p e rly .)
Throw t h e c u r v e w i t h a n o u t w a r d r o t a t i o n
of
the
a rm , a n d a downward snap o f t h e w r i s t . (1)
A llow t h e b a l l t o r o l l o f f th e
(2)
of the sid e of
in d ex f i n g e r .
H elp s p i n ' t h e b a l l o v e r y o u r in d e x f i n g e r w i t h t h e thum b.
e.
Throw t h e p i t c h t h a t t h e c a t c h e r c a l l s you d o n ’t f e e l t h a t i t
f o r , u n less
is ab so lu tely r ig h t.
(1)
C a ll th e c a tc h e r out and t a l k
(2)
The c a t c h e r i s
it
over.
in a b e t t e r p o s itio n to
spot
the b a t t e r ’s w eaknesses. (3)
He k now s w h a t p i t c h e s a r e w o r k i n g t h e b e s t fo r you.
FIELDING: a.
How t o b e a f i e l d e r a f t e r e a c h p i t c h .
C h a r g e o f f t h e mound f a s t X'Don’ t
on g r o u n d b a l l s .
commit y o u r s e l f u n t i l y o u s e e t h e d i r e c t i o n
of th e b a l l , ) b.
B a c k u p t h e b a s e s on a l l l o n g t h r o w s f r o m t h e o u t-fie ld .
(Be a t
least
t h e baseman t o p r e v e n t
tw en ty f e e t
in back of
th e b a l l from g e t t i n g by
y o u .) c.
G e t t o t h e b a s e a s f a s t a s y o u c a n w he n c o v e r i n g first (1)
base. B reak f o r f i r s t b a se e v e r y tim e a b a l l i s h i t to your l e f t .
(2)
B re a k t o w a r d t h e s i d e l i n e s on a b a l l h i t t o th e f i r s t basem an.
(3)
T ravel th e
last
tw enty f e e t
ru n n in g p a r a l l e l to i t , in g the (4)
down t h e
lin e
so y o u w i l l b e g i v
f i r s t basem an a good t a r g e t .
You r e c e i v e t h e b a l l r u n n i n g t h e sa m e d i r e c tio n as the base ru n n e r, th e re b y le s s e n in g your chance of g e t t i n g
spiked.
d.
Never w alk to w a rd the p l a t e
o r a r o u n d t h e mound
a fte r p itch in g . (1)
T h i s e x t r a movement w i l l s a p y o u r e n e r g y .
(2)
T h is a c t i o n d e l a y s t h e game, a n d i s b a d on t h e m o r a le
ju s t as
o f y o u r t e a m a s on t h e
o p p o n e n t 1s . e.
Use y o u r g l o v e t o k n o c k down a n y h a r d b a l l s h i t y o u r way.
f.
D o n 't f i e l d
any f l y b a l l s
t h a t can b e f i e l d e d by
any o th e r p la y e r . g.
P r e p a r e t o p r o t e c t home p l a t e g e t by th e
h.
i f th e p itc h
should
catch er.
F o l l o w i n s t r u c t i o n s f r o m t h e c a t c h e r when f i e l d ing b u n ts.
I.
W ith a r u n n e r on f i r s t b a s e , b a c k up t h i r d any base h i t to the
j.
on
o u tfie ld ,
W i t h a r u n n e r o n s e c o n d b a s e , y o u s h o u l d b a c k up the
catch er.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
W here t o g e t f u r t h e r
assi stan ce. a.
R eserve
b.
M agazines:
c.
Film l i b r a r y :
d.
H igh s c h o o l , c o l l e g e , game s .
sh elf: 3;
2;79-87; 4;
6.
3;
4;
3;20-27;
5;3-34.
5. and p r o f e s s i o n a l b a s e b a l l
44 C*
ASSIGNMENTS:
Some s u g g e s t e d a c t i v i t i e s t h a t w i l l a i d y o u
i n becom ing a b e t t e r p i t c h e r * 1.
P itch b a ttin g p rac tic e t h e i r b u n ts the
2.
to s e v e r a l h i t t e r s ,
and f i e l d
way y o u w o u l d i n a g a m e .
D e m o n s t r a t e how y o u w o u l d p i t c h w i t h men o n b a s e , a n d how y o u w o u l d move t o p i c k t h e m o f f .
3.
Work w i t h t h e c a t c h e r i n p e r f e c t i n g y o u r c o n t r o l b y th r o w i n g a t t h e d i f f e r e n t t a r g e t s he p r e s e n t s .
4.
P ra c tic e w ith th e c a tc h e r,
first,
and t h i r d basem en
on f i e l d i n g b u n t s . D.
EVALUATION:
A c h e c k on i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t
s h o u l d b e known
by p i t c h e r s . 1*
RATING SCALE: according to
P u t a number i n t h e a p p r o p r i a t e the p l a y e r 's a b i l i t y .
space
8-10 e x c e p tio n a l
p r o g r e s s , 5 - 7 a v e r a g e a d v a n c e m e n t, below 5 - n e e d s much m o r e w o r k . a.
(
Forw ard p o s i t i o n
b.
(
Sidew ard p o s i t i o n on th e r u b b e r .
c.
(
F i e l d i n g b u n t s a n d slow h i t b a l l s .
d.
(
C o n tro l.
e .
(
Backs up p r o p e r b a s e s i n d i f f e r e n t
on t h e r u b b e r .
situ
atio n s . f .
(
P i t c h i n g form and f o llo w - th r o u g h . Warms u p t h o r o u g h l y b e f o r e e a c h p r a c t i c e
45 2.
TRUE-FALSE: or f a ls e a.
Put an X i n th e p ro p e r space f o r tr u e
statem en ts.
T F ( ) ( ) The m o r e v a r i e t y o f p i t c h e s y o u h a v e , t h e m ore e f f e c t i v e
h.
( ) ( } You s h o u l d b r e a k t o w a r d f i r s t b a s e on a ll b a lls h it
c.
you w i l l h e .
to th e p i t c h e r ’s r i g h t .
( ) ( ) C o n t r o l i s m o r e i m p o r t a n t t h a n ’’s t u f f ” to p itc h e rs.
d.
( ) ( ) You s h o u l d l e t
o t h e r i n f i e l d e r s h and le
a l l of th e f l y b a l l s e.
( ) ( ) You n g p i t c h e r s
th at
th e y can g e t.
should p r a c t i c e
ju s t as
h a r d on c u r v e s a s on f a s t b a l l s . f .
( ) { ) You s h o u l d h o l d t h e b a l l t h e
same w ay
fo r a ll p itc h es. g.
( ) ( ) You t h r o w t h e f a s t b a l l a t
d ifferen t
speeds to keep th e b a t t e r s h.
( ) ( ) A fte r g e ttin g th e s ig n ,
it
o ff b alan ce . i s n ’t n e c e s
s a r y t o k e e p y o u r eye on t h e t a r g e t a n y longer. i.
( ) ( ) You u s e t h e same s t a n c e w i t h t h e b a s e s e m p t y , a s y o u do w i t h a man o n t h i r d base.
j.
(
) ( ) W i t h a man o n f i r s t b a s e , a n d t h e r e a sin g le to rig h t f ie ld , up t h i r d b a s e .
is
you s h o u l d b a c k
46 k.
( ) ( } A fter th e p itc h e r p itc h es
th e b a l l ,
he
becomes a n o t h e r f i e l d e r . 1.
( ) ( ) When a
long f l y
is h it
to l e f t f ie ld ,
w ith a
man o n t h i r d b a s e , t h e p i t c h e r
should
s t a n d on t h e mound a n d d i r e c t
the th ro w .
47 CHAPTER 5 .
THE BACKSTOP
HOW TO PIAY THE CATCHER *S POSITION A.
MOTIVATION;
R e w a r d s t h a t w i l l come w i t h y o u r i m p r o v e d
tech n iq u es as a c a t c h e r . «
1.
LEADERSHIP: of the
2.
FUN:
You w i l l b e d i r e c t i n g a m a j o r p o r t i o n
te a m 's d e fe n s e from y o u r c a t c h i n g p o s i t i o n . As a c a t c h e r ,
you w i l l p a r t i c i p a t e
i n more
p l a y s t h a n a n y m em ber o f t h e t e a m . 3.
RECOGNITION:
You w i l l b e m o r e h i g h l y r e g a r d e d b y
y o u r team m ates a s y o u r w ork b e h in d t h e p l a t e
im
proves. 4.
TEAM STRENGTH:
The d e f e n s i v e
s t r e n g t h o f t h e whole
team w i l l i n c r e a s e a s y o u r c a t c h i n g a b i l i t y B.
DIRECTIONS:
develops.
Some h e l p f u l s u g g e s t i o n s t h a t w i l l a i d y o u
i n becom ing a b e t t e r c a t c h e r . 1.
STANCE: a.
How t o
s t a n d when g i v i n g t h e
sig n s.
Be s u r e t h a t y o u r t e a m i s r e a d y b e f o r e y o u a s s u m e your p o s i t i o n b ehind th e p l a t e .
b.
Tfeke a p o s i t i o n
d i r e c t l y b ehind th e p l a t e
in a
s q u a t t i n g p o s i t i o n , w i t h t h e w e i g h t b a l a n c e d on the to e s . (1)
The l e g s
sh o u ld form a sm all an g le
to pro
t e c t y o u r s i g n s f r o m t h e v i s i o n o f t h e oppos* ing base coaches.
(2)
The l e f t a r m s h o u l d l i e th e to p of th e
left
han g in g over t h e
c o m fo rtab ly alo n g
l e g , w ith th e glove
le f t knee.
(The g l o v e
g iv e s a d d it i o n a l p r o t e c t i o n from th e t h i r d base s i d e .) (3)
The r i g h t h a n d s h o u l d b e p l a c e d f l a t th e in sid e
of th e r ig h t
le g p r o te c ts the
th ig h .
alo n g
(Your r i g h t
s ig n from th e f i r s t base
si d e . (4)
G i v e t h e s i g n d e e p i n t h e c r o t c h , n o t on to p of th e l e g ,
c.
S tand j u s t f a r
o r down b e t w e e n t h e h e e l s .
enough b e h in d t h e h i t t e r
you w i l l n o t i n t e r f e r e d.
so t h a t
w ith th e b a t t e r ’s sw ing.
Use s i m p l e s i g n s s o y o u w o n ' t c o n f u s e t h e p i t c h e r . (1)
One f i n g e r i n d i c a t e s
a fast b a ll.
(2)
Two f i n g e r s i n d i c a t e
a curve.
(3)
A th u m b i n d i c a t e s a p i t c h o u t .
(4)
A lter,
or reverse
runner is
the o rd e r,
if
an opposing
on s e c o n d b a s e w h e r e h e may s e e
your s ig n s . FOOTWORK:
How t o b e i n t h e p r o p e r p o s i t i o n t o c a t c h
the b a l l . a.
A fter g iv in g th e sig n , p o s itio n to th e (1)
s h i f t from t h e
sq u attin g
crouch.
The f e e t s h o u l d b e a c o m f o r t a b l e d i s t a n c e
ap art,
w ith th e w eight e v e n ly d i s t r i b u t e d
on t h e b a l l s
of th e f e e t .
sh o u ld be s l i g h t l y
(Your l e f t
foot
in fro n t o f th e r ig h t
in
a throw ing p o s i t i o n .) (2)
Give t h e p i t c h e r a t a r g e t w i t h y o u r g l o v e .
(3)
S tand d i r e c t l y b eh in d th e
t a r g e t w ith the
glove h e ld about c h e s t h ig h . the b a l l in fro n t
( I f you c a t c h
of t h e c h e s t you w i l l
alw ays be i n a p o s i t i o n t o t h r o w .) (4)
Give a low t a r g e t b y h o l d i n g t h e g l o v e k n e e h ig h w i t h th e f i n g e r s p o i n t i n g tow ard th e ground.
S h ift
the body in f r o n t o f th e b a l l
i s w ide o f th e (1)
if
th e p itc h
targ e t.
S h if t th e w eight to th e r i g h t f o o t
if
th e
th ro w i s w ide t o t h e r i g h t . (2)
S h i f t th e w eight t o th e l e f t f o o t th ro w i s w ide to t h e fo o t b eh in d th e
le ft.
i f th e
(B ring th e r i g h t
l e f t fo o t in a g lid in g
m otion t o q u ic k ly r e g a i n b a la n c e and be re a d y to
th ro w .)
Go down o n y o u r k n e e t o b l o c k a p i t c h t h a t i s
in
th e d i r t . (1)
Keep t h e b a l l i n f r o n t o f you a t a l l t i m e s .
(2)
The b a s e r u n n e r may t a k e a s m an y b a s e s a s h e
50 can g e t I f th e b a l l g e ts by you. d.
Be l i g h t
on y o u r f e e t ,
s h i f t i n g y o u r p o s i t i o n so
t h a t you can c a t c h t h e b a l l a t th e
c h e s t a n d be
read y t o throw . e.
P lace
th e hands in a v e r t i c a l p o s itio n alo n g th e
edge o f th e g lo v e . (1)
Snap t h e b a r e h and q u i c k l y o v e r t h e b a l l a fter i t
is
s a f e ly In the pocket of your
g lo v e. (2)
Never p o i n t th e f i n g e r s
of the b a re hand
d i r e c t l y a t th e p itc h e r . 3.
PUT HIM OUT: a.
How t o t a g t h e r u n n e r a t home p l a t e .
B lock th e p l a t e
o n l y when t h e p l a y i s g o i n g t o
be c l o s e . (1)
Take a p o s i t i o n a b o u t t h r e e
feet
in fro n t
of the b a s e . -**■
(2)
K e ep y o u r e y e o n t h e b a l l ,
and w atch th e
ru n n er out of the c o rn er of your e y e . (3)
As t h e
opponent s t a r t s h is
s l i d e , move
i n t o h i s p a th and b lo c k h i s approach to th e p late. (4)
C a tc h t h e b a l l and p u t i t
on h im b e f o r e he
c a n make a n o t h e r move t o w a r d t h e b a s e . b.
N e v e r b l o c k t h e b a s e i f y o u d o n ' t h a v e a' c h a n c e to g e t the ru n n e r.
51 (1)
You o r y o u r o p p o n e n t may b e I n j u r e d u n n e ce ssa rily .
(2)
You may b e t a k e n o u t o f t h e p l a y , a n d t h e base ru n n ers w ill advance.
c.
I f you h a v e t h e r u n n e r o u t b y q u i t e a d i s t a n c e , d o n 't b lo ck th e p l a t e . (1)
Put th e b a l l in f r o n t him s l i d e
(2)
in to
of th e p la te and l e t
i t .
H old t h e b a l l i n t h e g lo v e p o c k e t w i t h t h e bare hand, and p re s e n t the face
o f th e glove
to the ru n n e r.
( I f he k i c k s t h e b a l l he
w i l l only fo rc e
it
deeper in to
the pocket
of the g lo v e . (3)
I f you a tte m p t t o b lo c k a r u n n e r i n t h i s c a s e , h e may t a k e y o u o u t o f t h e p l a y a n d allo w the o th e r base ru n n e rs t o advance. (Remember, y o u a r e n o t t r y i n g t o i n j u r e
the
o t h e r p l a y e r , b u t t r y i n g t o t a g him o u t . ) POP P L I E S : a.
How t o c a t c h h i g h f l y b a l l s .
H andle f l y b a l l s
in the c a t c h e r ’s a re a th a t can
n o t be c a u g h t b y t h e b.
in fie ld e rs.
Remove t h e m a s k f i r m l y a n d t o s s i t s i t e d i r e c t i o n from th e f l i g h t (1)
Poul b a lls
th a t are h i t
b a t w i l l go up t o t h e
in the
of the b a l l .
on t h e h a n d l e left
oppo
of
of the p l a t e .
the
52 (R ight hand b a t t e r s . ) (2)
Foul b a lls
o f f o f th e end o f th e
go u p t o t h e r i g h t
bat w ill
of th e b a s e .
(R ight hand
b a tte rs.) (3)
Foul b a lls
from th e c e n t e r o f th e b a t w i l l
go s t r a i g h t u p . c.
Turn th e
w a y
th e b a l l le a v e s the b a t ,
lo o k up,
a n d t h e b a l l w i l l be e a s y t o f i n d . d.
Get u n d e r t h e f l y b a l l
im m ed iately ,
so t h a t
w i l l a p p e a r t o h i t you i n th e h e a d a s i t
it
comes
down. (1)
A l l f o u l b a l l s b e h i n d t h e p l a t e w i l l come down c u r v i n g b a c k t o w a r d t h e i n f i e l d .
(2)
A ll f ly b a lls h it
on t h e i n f i e l d
in f a i r
t e r r i t o r y w i l l c u r v e a w a y f r o m home p l a t e . e.
Use f a s t m o v e m e n t s t o g e t i n t o p o s i t i o n t o c a tc h the b a l l ,
and t h e n you w i l l have tim e t o
make a n y a d j u s t m e n t s . HEADS UP* a.
How t o b e a s m a r t c a t c h e r .
Know t h e p i t c h e r t h o r o u g h l y , a n d h i s b e s t p itch es.
b.
Always h u s t l e a n d c h a t t e r . dence t o t h e r e s t
(T ransm it your c o n f i
of th e team , e s p e c i a l l y th e
p itc h er. c.
D o n 't throw s e n s e l e s s l y t o
show o f f y o u r a r m .
53 d.
Never le a v e th e p l a t e
u n g u a r d e d when t h e r e
are
men on b a s e . e.
Leave y o u r p o s i t i o n f a s t
on b u n t s a n d g r o u n d e r s
in f r o n t of the p l a t e . (1)
D o n ’t p i c k up b u n t s w i t h y o u r b a r e h a n d , b u t put the
glove i n f r o n t
of the b a l l to
stop
t h e s p i n , p i c k i n g up th e b a l l w i t h b o t h hands. (2)
A fter fie ld in g th e
in sid e
t h e b u n t , make y o u r move t o
o f the
diamond an d th ro w t o t h e
f i r s t basem an i n f a i r
te rrito ry .
(T he
ru n n er has t o ru n the l a s t h a l f of the distan ce to f i r s t
base w ith in the
th ree
f o o t l i n e .) (3)
If
the ru n n e r is to o f a r in s id e
th e diam ond,
s te p q u i c k l y to w ard th e f o u l l i n e throw .
and
(Make a d e f i n i t e move s o t h e f i r s t
b a s e m a n w i l l know w h e r e t h e t h r o w i s f.
g o in g .)
P r a c tic e fo llo w in g the p a th of f o u l b a l l s ,
so
you c a n g e t u n d e r t h e b a l l q u i c k l y . g.
Never th ro w th e b a l l b e h in d th e r u n n e r u n l e s s y o u d e f i n i t e l y h a v e a man t r a p p e d .
h.
Make g o o d t h r o w s b a c k t o
the p i t c h e r ,
s o h e w o n ’t
w a s t e h i s e n e r g y c h a s i n g down y o u r p e g s . i.
Always p r o t e c t y o u r s e l f b y w e a r i n g t h e f u l l
c a t c h e r 's uniform , j .
S i z e up t h e s i t u a t i o n e a c h tim e b e f o r e
callin g
fo r a p itc h . k.
Back up f i r s t b a s e on a l l g ro u n d b a l l s h i t
to
th e i n f i e l d w ith th e b ases unoccupied. 1.
H e l p y o u r p i t c h e r i n e v e r y way p o s s i b l e . (1)
If
the p i t c h e r
th e p l a t e ,
is w ild to e i t h e r
a s k him t o a l t e r h i s p o s i t i o n t o
th e r i g h t or l e f t (2)
sid e o f
of th e ru b b e r.
Give y o u r p i t c h e r a g ood t a r g e t a t a l l tim es.
(3)
D elay g iv in g s ig n s
i f th e p i t c h e r i s w ork
in g to o f a s t . 6.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
W h ere t o g e t f u r t h e r
■a s s i s t a n c e • a.
R eserve s h e l f :
b.
M agazines:
c.
Film l i b r a r y :
d.
H igh s c h o o l ,
2;61-66;
3 ;8 -1 5 ;
5 ;3 4 -5 1 .
4; 6 . 3;
4;
co lleg e,
5. and p r o f e s s i o n a l b a s e b a ll
game s . C.
ASSIGNMENTS; a b e tter 1.
catch er.
C atch b a t t i n g p r a c t i c e a t e v e ry o p p o r t u n i t y , the
2.
Some e x p e r i e n c e s t h a t w i l l h e l p y o u b e com e
and use
su g g estio n s in th is c h a p te r.
Take i n f i e l d
as o ften as p o s s ib le , u sin g th e
same
55 t e c h n i q u e s and t h r o w s t h a t you w i l l u s e i n a game. 3.
Work w i t h t h e
d ifferen t p itch ers
th e fundam entals l i s t e d
in th is
on y o u r t e a m , u s i n g c h a p t e r t o a i d you
i n p r e p a r i n g f o r y o u r n e x t game. 4.
C a tc h e v e ry chance you g e t in p r a c t i c e tratin g
games, c o n cen
on u s i n g t h e c o r r e c t f o r m l i s t e d
in th is
ch ap ter. P.
EVALUATION:
A c h e c k o n i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t s h o u l d b e known
about the c a tc h in g p o s i t i o n . 1.
RATING SCALE: according to
P u t a number i n th e p r o p e r space the p l a y e r ’s a b i l i t y .
p ro g re s s , 5-7 average
8-10 e x c e p tio n a l
a d v an cem en t, below 5 - n e e d s
m u ch m o r e w o r k .
2.
a.
( ) S tance.
b.
( ) A b i l it y to give
c.
( ) A b ility to
d.
( ) Throw ing a c c u r a c y .
e.
( ) T e c h n i q u e s i n g u a r d i n g home
f.
( ) F ie ld g e n eralsh ip .
TRUE-FALSE: or fa ls e a.
the
signs p ro p e rly .
catch f l y b a l l s .
p late.
Put an X in th e p ro p er space f o r a tr u e
statem en t.
T F ( ) ( )
You s h o u l d a d j u s t y o u r c a t c h i n g p o s i t i o n t o th e b a t t e r s box and n o t th e b a t t e r .
b .
( ) ( )
You s h o u l d n e v e r h a v e t h e f i n g e r s
of
56 th e b are hand p o in tin g d i r e c t l y tow ard the p i t c h e r . c.
( ) ( )
You s h o u l d k e e p t h e b o d y i n f r o n t
of the
b a ll a t a l l tim es. d.
( ) ( ) You s h o u l d
alw ay s b lo c k th e r u n n e r from
t h e p l a t e no m a t t e r where t h e b a l l i s . e.
( ) ( ) You h o l d t h e b a l l a ll
in your b a re hand a t
t i m e s w hen t a g g i n g a r u n n e r a t home
p late . f.
( ) ( } You s h o u l d in fro n t
fie ld b u n ts,
o r ground b a l l s
of the p l a t e , w ith your b a re
hand. g.
(
) ( ) You s h o u l d
t o s s t h e mask o f f b e f o r e you
know w h e r e t h e f o u l b a l l i s h.
( ) ( ) Foul b a lls
h it
g oing.
o ff o f the h an d le
of a
r i g h t h a n d e d b a t t e r w i l l go up t o t h e c a t c h e r ’s r i g h t . i.
(
) ( ) Foul b a lls
from th e h a n d le o f th e b a t o f
a l e f t h a n d e r w i l l go up t o t h e c a t c h e r ’ s rig h t. j.
(
) ( ) I n f i e l d i n g a b u n t you s h o u ld th ro w s t r a i g h t down t h e b a s e l i n e
to f i r s t
base. k.
(
) ( ) You s h o u l d
a lw a y s b a c k up f i r s t b a s e on
ground b a l l s h i t
to th e i n f i e l d .
57 1.
( ) ( )
When y o u h a v e a r u n n e r o u t b y q u i t e a d i s t a n c e , you sh o u ld b lo c k th e p l a t e make s u r e t h a t h e d o e s n ’ t
score.
to
CHAPTER 6 .
INFIELD PLAY
HOW TO PLAY THE INNER DEFENSES A.
MOTIVATION; R e w a r d s t h a t c a n come f r o m p l a y i n g y o u r In fie ld p o sitio n s c o rre c tly , 1.
TEAM S P I R I T ; sp irit
2.
Your te a m ’s p l a y w i l l r e f l e c t th e
and h u s t l e
PRIDE;
It
t h a t you c o n t r i b u t e
I s a g r e a t p e rs o n a l s a t i s f a c t i o n to be a
member o f a h i g h - s p i r i t e d 3.
PROGRESS;
as an i n f i e l d e r .
in fie ld .
H igh s c h o o l c o a c h e s a r e
alw ays lo o k in g f o r
i n f i e l d e r s t h a t a re w e ll grounded in fu n d a m e n ta ls. 4.
FEWER RUNS;
Good d e f e n s i v e
i n f i e l d p la y w i l l keep
many o p p o n e n t s o u t o f t h e h i t t i n g a n d s c o r i n g c o l u m n . B.
D I RECTI O N S; A f ew h e l p f u l
su g g e s t i ons t h a t w i l l a i d you
i n b e c o m in g a more p o l i s h e d i n f i e l d e r . 1.
STANCE;
How t o a s s u m e t h e p r o p e r s t a n c e f o r a n i n
field er. a.
S tand in a re la x e d p o s i t i o n , w ith your f e e t p a ra lle l,
b.
and knees s l i g h t l y b e n t .
S h i f t t h e w e ig h t fo rw ard to th e b a l l s f e e t as the b a l l
c.
is p itc h e d .
P la c e th e h a n d s on th e k n e e s , o r l e t lo o se ly in fro n t
of the
of t h e b o d y .
them hang
(Be r e a d y t o move
in any d i r e c t i o n . ) (l)
D o n ’ t move u n t i l t h e b a l l
is h it.
(2)
Move w i t h s h o r t , in fro n t
(3)
g l i d i n g s t e p s u n t i l you a re
of the b a l l .
F ie ld th e b a l l o ff o f th e r ig h t
f o o t , and
come u p i n a p o s i t i o n t o t h r o w . d.
Read an d s tu d y c h a p t e r 3 , and p r a c t i c e
th e
sug
g ested a c t i v i t i e s . 2.
PUT-OUTS: a.
How t o p u t t h e b a l l
S trad d le
on t h e r u n n e r .
the b a se w ith th e f e e t p a r a l l e l and the
to e s p o in tin g tow ard th e ru n n e r . (1)
L o o k t o w a r d t h e man t h a t
is
throw ing th e
b a ll. (2) b.
Keep y o u r e y e o n t h e b a l l a t a l l t i m e s .
C atch th e b a l l in your gloved hand,
and p l a c e th e
b a l l in f r o n t of th e bag f a c in g th e
incom ing
runner. (1)
C a t c h t h e b a l l a n d t a g t h e r u n n e r i n one c o n tin u o u s m otion i f th e p la y i s
(2)
D o n ’t
clo se.
t a g t h e man, b u t l e t him s l i d e
in to
the b a l l . (3)
Tag t h e r u n n e r o n l y o n c e , u n l e s s you a r e p o sitiv e
you m is se d him , and he i s c l e a r l y
off base. c.
P u ll o ff o f th e base
to c a tc h a w ild throw b e fo r e
m aking t h e t a g . d.
D o n ’t
d i v e f o r t h e m an ;
dive f o r th e
corner of
t h e b a s e whe n m a k i n g a t a g f r o m a w i d e t h r o w . e.
Never b lo c k the
b a s e wh en m a k i n g a t a g .
f .
I f t h e throw i s to o l a t e , w ith th e g lo v e.
g.
(He may o v e r - s l i d e t h e b a s e . )
S p r i n g up a n d be r e a d y f o r a n o t h e r p l a y m aking t h e t a g
h.
fo llo w th e r u n n e r ’s fo o t
after
on t h e r u n n e r .
Keep t h e f e e t b e h i n d t h e l e a d i n g e d g e o f t h e b a s e to p ro te c t y o u rse lf a g ain st a fan cy s lid e .
(T his
w i l l p r o t e c t you from g e t t i n g s p i k e d . ) RUN-DOWNS: a.
How t o p u t o u t t h e t r a p p e d b a s e r u n n e r .
A l w a y s r u n t h e man b a c k t o w a r d
th e b a se where th e
p lay o rig in a te d . (1)
O nly i n f i e l d e r s
sh o u ld han d le th e b a l l .
(2)
T h r e e men s h o u l d h a n d l e t h e b a l l . throw ing sh o u ld ta k e
th e p lace
(T he man
o f t h e man
catch in g th e b a l l . ) b.
The f i r s t b a s e m a n , a f t e r c a t c h i n g a man o f f f i r s t base,
should s t a r t
th e r u n n e r m oving to w a r d
second and im m e d ia te ly th ro w to th e
sh o rtstp p .
(He t h e n m o v e s p a s t
the ru n n e r t o ta k e o v er th e
spot v acated by the
sh o rtsto p .)
(1)
The s h o r t s t o p c a t c h e s
t h e b a l l m oving t o
ward th e b a s e r u n n e r ,
and c h a s e s him b a c k
tow ard f i r s t w ith a s e r i e s o f fa k e th ro w s. (T he s h o r t s t o p
s h o u l d be r u n n i n g h a r d t o
make t h e p l a y w o r k . ) (2)
A f t e r g e t t i n g t h e r u n n e r t o move a t a g o o d s p e e d , he s h o u ld throw th e b a l l t o t h e s e c o n d b a s e m a n who h a s t a k e n o v e r t h e
first
b a s e m a n ' s s p o t , a n d l e t h i m make t h e t a g . (3)
T h e r e s h o u l d n e v e r b e more t h a n two t h r o w s .
(4)
Be s u r e t h a t t h e r u n n e r i s m o v i n g , a n d n o t fak in g ,
b e f o r e m aking th e
throw .
Use t h e a b o v e p r o c e d u r e w hen c a t c h i n g men o f f second and t h i r d . Rush d i r e c t l y
at a runner th a t
i s c a u g h t betw een
b a s e s and i s u n d e c id e d a s t o w hich b a se t o a p proach. (1)
Make t h e r u n n e r make h i s move f i r s t .
(Run
s t r a i g h t a t th e r u n n e r , u n t i l he d e f i n i t e l y d e c i d e s w h i c h way t o g o . ) (2)
Make t h e p u t - o u t a t t h e b a s e w h i c h h e l a s t le ft.
(3)
If
the ru n n er t r i e s
b a ll to
to advance,
throw th e
t h a t basem an and ta k e h i s p la c e a s
he c h a s e s th e r u n n e r b a c k to w a rd th e
oth er
base. (4)
If
th e r u n n e r b re a k s b ack tow ard h i s fo rm er
base,
t h e n y o u c h a s e h i m down a n d t h r o w h i m
CUT-OFF:
How t o k e e p o p p o n e n t s o u t o f s c o r i n g p o
sitio n . a.
S t a r t m oving i n t o y o u r c u t - o f f p o s i t i o n a s soon a s you c a n see where th e b a l l i s you c a n ' t f i e l d (1)
it.
W i t h a man o n s e c o n d b a s e a n d a b a s e - h i t t o left
field ,
t h e t h i r d basem an l i n e s up t h e
le f t f ie ld e r 's
throw t o th e c a t c h e r .
w il l c u t- o f f the
(2)
g o in g , and t h a t
t h r o w on i n s t r u c t i o n s f r o m
th e c a tc h e r,
a n d a t t e m p t t o t h r o w t h e man
out going to
second b a s e .)
W i t h a man o n f i r s t rig h t fie ld ,
th e
base and a base h i t to
s h o r t s t o p w i l l l i n e up a
throw to t h i r d b a s e .
(On i n s t r u c t i o n s f r o m
t h e t h i r d b a sem a n , he w i l l c u t - o f f t h e and r e l a y i t (3)
(He
to
throw
second b a s e .)
W i t h a man o n s e c o n d b a s e a n d a b a s e h i t t o rig h t fie ld ,
t h e f i r s t b asem an l i n e s up t h e
throw f o r th e r i g h t f i e l d e r and w i l l ta k e th e c u t- o f f p la y in t h i s b.
T he s h o r t s t o p t a k e s e x tra base h i t s
in stan ce.
t h e r e l a y p o s i t i o n on a l l
to c e n t e r and l e f t f i e l d .
seco n d basem an t a k e s a l l r e l a y s
(The
on e x t r a b a s e
h its
to r i g h t - c e n t e r and r i g h t f i e l d . )
(l)
The r e l a y man b r e a k s
d i r e c t l y to w ard th e
b a ll,
p l a c i n g h i m s e l f i n a p o s i t i o n where
h e c a n make a g o o d t h r o w hom e. (2)
T he o t h e r m an ( s e c o n d b a s e m a n , i f stop i s
the
sh o rt
t h e r e l a y m a n ) k e e p s t h e r e l a y man
i n f o r m e d a s t o w h e r e t o make t h e p l a y . (3)
The r e l a y man c a t c h e s t h e b a l l o f f h i s sh o u ld er,
t u r n i n g im m e d ia te ly t o throw to
th e base in d ic a te d by the THE FIRST BASEMAN; how t o p l a y t h e a.
o t h e r man.
Some a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n on
in itia l
sack.
P lay c lo s e enough t o th e base t h a t i t e ffo rt to reach i t (1)
i s no
b e fo re the throw a r r i v e s .
Get t o t h e b a s e q u i c k l y , a n d s e t up a statio n ary ta rg e t.
(2)
D o n ’t
l o a f , a s i t makes t h e o t h e r i n f i e l d e r s
h o l d up on t h e i r t h r o w s . th eir b.
( T h e y d o n ’t make
c u s to m a r y good t h r o w s . )
K eep t h e f e e t
s t a t i o n a r y and s tr a d d le
the base
w hile w a itin g f o r th e th ro w s. (1)
Be r e a d y t o
sh ift
the f e e t i n s t a n t l y
if
the
th ro w h a p p e n s t o be w i d e . (2)
If
the b a l l
is
on y o u r r i g h t
sid e,
sh ift
r i g h t f o o t o u t to w ard th e th ro w , and ta g th e base w ith th e (3)
If
the b a l l
left
to e.
is to your l e f t ,
s t r e t c h w ith
the
your l e f t f o o t and t a g th e h a g w ith your rig h t. S t r e t c h a s f a r tow ard th e b a l l a s p o s s ib l e
to
meet th e th ro w . K eep y o u r h e a d u p a f t e r e a c h p u t - o u t a t f i r s t b a se t o a v o id o t h e r r u n n e rs t a k i n g an e x t r a b a s e . G et o f f catch , (1)
o f t h e b a g on w i l d t h r o w s t o m ake t h e and th e n r e t u r n
to t a g the b a g .
T h i s w i l l p r e v e n t man y t h r o w s f r o m g e t t i n g by you.
(2)
You w i l l p r e v e n t o t h e r r u n n e r s f r o m t a k i n g e x tra b ases.
A void s t a b b i n g a t
t h e b a g w i t h y o u r f o o t on c l o s e
p lay s. Touch th e b a s e w i t h y o u r to e and n e v e r y o u r h e e l . P l a y on t h e b a s e when t h e r e
i s a r u n n e r on f i r s t
base. (1)
Face th e p i tc h e r w ith th e h e e l o f your r i g h t f o o t 'on t h e
corner of th e base c lo s e s t
to the p itc h e r . (2)
P lace side
the
o th er fo o t a lo n g th e fo u l lin e
of f i r s t base.
Give t h e p i t c h e r a t a r g e t a t y o u r r i g h t k n e e . E x p ec t a throw an y t im e . Make a n u n d e r h a n d t o s s t o t h e p i t c h e r c o v e r i n g
in
65 first (1)
on g r o u n d b a l l s h i t t o y o u . Throw t h e b a l l t o h im b e f o r e h e r e a c h e s the b a se .
(2)
Throw t h e b a l l c h e s t h i g h , it
1.
so h e c a n h a n d l e
e a s i l y w hile ru n n in g .
Use t h e u n d e r h a n d , o v e r h a n d , the s i t u a t i o n
demands.
THE SECOND BASEMAN:
o r s i dearm t h r o w a s
( C h a p te r 3 , B, l c ,
Some a d d i t i o n a l
d, e .)
i n f o r m a t i o n on
p la y in g the keystone b a g . a.
Cover f i r s t
base
on b u n t s t h a t w i l l p u l l t h e
f i r s t basem an i n . (1}
Cover q u ic k ly and t r y to p r e s e n t a s t a t i o n a r y targ e t•
(2) b.
C o v e r t h e b a s e on t h e i n s i d e o f t h e d i a m o n d .
Cover second b a se
on l o n g h i t s
to
left
or cen ter
field . c.
Go o u t f o r t h e r e l a y o n b a l l s h i t c e n te r and r i g h t f i e l d . h a lfw a y b etw een th e
to r i g h t -
(D eploy y o u r s e l f a b o u t
i n f i e l d and the
s p o t where
th e b a l l i s f i e l d e d . ) d.
When i n d o u b t a s t o w h e r e t o r e l a y t h e b a l l , th e b a l l tow ard th e
in fie ld
run
w ith th e arm c o ck e d
and re a d y to th ro w . e.
Give t h e o t h e r p l a y e r a s t a t i o n a r y t a r g e t double p l a y .
on t h e
66 (1)
S trad d le
second base w hile w a itin g f o r th e
th ro w . (2)
Go i n t o
second base i n a s t r a i g h t l i n e ,
fa c in g the
in fie ld e r th at
i s m aking th e
throw . f.
Move w i t h t h e t h r o w t o g e t t h e first (1)
qu ick est
throw t o
base. I f the
b a ll
is
to your l e f t ,
step over
m eet i t w ith y o u r l e f t f o o t ,
to
dragging th e
r i g h t fo o t a c ro ss the b a s e . (2)
If
th e b a ll i s to your r i g h t ,
w ith your r ig h t f o o t,
s te p tow ard i t
ta g g in g the base w ith
y o u r l e f t a s you throw t o f i r s t . (3)
If
th e throw i s
s tr a ig h t a t you,
base w ith your l e f t f o o t.
tou ch
the
(Push b ack and
th ro w from y o u r r i g h t f o o t . ) (4)
Make s u r e
of the p u t-o u t a t
second b e fo re
throw ing to f i r s t . g.
D o n ' t c o v e r t h e b a s e t h e same w a y e a c h t i m e o n a double p l a y .
h.
Always f a c e (1)
the
Never s p in , throw ing,
(2)
s h o r t s t o p when t h r o w i n g t o h i m . o r t u r n y o u r b a c k t o him b e f o r e
as you h id e th e b a l l fro m him .
T o ss t h e b a l l u n d e rh a n d e d when you a r e c l o s e to the b a s e .
i.
Back up a l l th r o w s t o t h e
s h o rts to p covering
second b a s e . j.
B ack up t h e f i r s t
b a s e m a n a s much a s p o s s i b l e ,
e s p e c i a l l y on th ro w s from th e c a t c h e r . k.
Use o v e r h a n d , u n d e r h a n d , th e s i t u a t i o n
THE SHORTSTOP:
demands.
o r s i dearm th ro w s a s (C h a p te r 3 , B, l c ,
How t o c o v e r t h e
d, e . )
o th e r h a l f o f the
keystone bag. a.
C over se c o n d b a s e on b u n t s u n t i l you s e e th ere
i s no p l a y .
th at
(Then p r o c e e d t o t h i r d b a s e
to keep th e ru n n e r from a d v a n c in g .) b.
G et t h e p itch is
c.
s i g n a l from th e
c a t c h e r s o y o u know w h a t
com ing.
Cover a l l h ig h bounces i n back of t h i r d b a s e , a s you w i l l p r o b a b l y be i n a b e t t e r p o s i t i o n t o
d.
throw t h a n t h e
t h i r d basem an.
Work o u t a s e t
of s ig n a ls w ith th e
a s t o who i s e.
second basem an
c o v e r i n g t h e b a s e on t h r o w s .
Go o u t f o r t h e r e l a y on a l l and c e n t e r f i e l d .
lo n g h i t s t o
(Cover s e c o n d b a s e
left
on h i t s t o
rig h t fie ld .) t
f.
C o v e r on d o u b l e p l a y s much t h e
sa m e a s t h e
second
basem an. (1)
Go t o w a r d t h e b a s e i n a d i r e c t
lin e w ith th e
p la y e r t h a t i s throw ing th e b a l l .
(2)
G et t o t h e b a s e q u i c k l y t o p r e s e n t a s t a t i o n ary ta r g e t .
Make s u r e
of the p u t-o u t a t
second b a s e , b e fo re
r e la y in g th e throw to f i r s t . (1)
W a i t u n t i l y o u know w h e r e t h e b a l l t o be b e f o r e
(2)
If
going
step p in g acro ss th e bag.
the b a l l i s
diam ond,
is
throw n to th e i n s i d e
of the
ste p in s id e w ith the r i g h t fo o t
and drag th e l e f t fo o t a c ro s s th e base as you c a t c h t h e b a l l .
(T h ro w t o f i r s t
in the
same m o t i o n . ) (3)
If
the b a l l
mond,
is
on t h e
s te p to w ard
it
o u tsid e w ith th e
of thed ia l e f t f o o t and
drag the r i g h t f o o t a c ro s s th e b a s e .
(A fter
p l a n t i n g th e r i g h t f o o t , throw q u ic k ly to first
b a se .)
V ary y o u r b a s e c o v e r i n g so t h e
opposing ru n n e rs
w i l l n o t be a b le t o b r e a k up y o u r d o u b le p l a y s . H elp
the
t h i r d basem an b y c o v e r i n g
the b a t t e r a tte m p ts to
b u n t w ith a
up f o r him i f man o n s e c o n d .
P l a y a s d eep a s y o u r arm w i l l a l l o w . Toss a l l b a l l s
th a t are clo se
to th e b a se i n an
underhand f a s h i o n to th e second basem an.
(D o n 't
h id e th e throw w ith th e g lo v e . ) A id y o u r team m ates i n f i n d i n g t h e i r
defensive
69 p o s i t i o n s by y o u r know ledge o f t h e p i t c h and th e h itte rs • m.
Use t h e u n d e r h a n d , the
8.
s i t u a t i o n dem ands.
THIRD BASE: a.
Throw t h e field (1)
overhand,
How t o p l a y
o r sid e a rm throw as
( C h a p t e r 3 , B, 1 c ,
the h o t c o r n e r .
b a l l from t h e p o s i t i o n in w hich
it.
d, e . )
(C h ap ter 3 , B, l c ,
you
d, e . )
Use t h e u n d e r h a n d t h r o w o n b u n t s a n d s l o w h it b a lls.
(2)
Use t h e
o v e rh a n d t h r o w on b a l l s t h a t a r e
h i t r ig h t a t you. b.
F ie ld e v ery th in g th a t
c.
Always be
d.
P lay about fiv e fe e t
a le rt
you c a n r e a c h .
fo r b u n ts. in sid e
o f t h e b a s e when
a n ticip a tin g a b u n t. (1)
As s o o n a s t h e b a t m oving to w a rd t h e
(2)
drops f o r th e b u n t
sta rt
p late.
R etu rn t o your b ase q u ic k ly i f th e b a l l i s f i e l d e d by a n o th e r p l a y e r .
(3)
Move b a c k t o y o u r n o r m a l p o s i t i o n w h e n t h e b a t t e r h a s tw o s t r i k e s
e.
on h i m .
F i e l d a l l b u n t s on y o u r r i g h t
s i d e so you w i l l
b e i n a p o s i t i o n t o make an u n d e r h a n d t h r o w . (1)
Charge t o th e r i g h t o f a b u n te d b a l l .
(2)
As y o u a p p r o a c h t h e b a l l s t a r t m o v i n g t o w a r d
first (3)
base.
As y o u p i c k t h e b a l l u p y o u s h o u l d b e m o v i n g tow ard f i r s t
base
i n o r d e r t o make a q u i c k ,
hard throw . Let w e ll p la c e d b u n ts n e a r th e f o u l l i n e have a chance t o r o l l f o u l .
( I f you d o n 't have a chance
to throw th e ru n n e r o u t . ) (1)
P i c k up b a l l s r o l l i n g
in foul te r r ito r y ,
b e c a u s e t h e y may r o l l f a i r a n d a l l o w t h e runner to reach f i r s t (2)
L iste n fo r th e
base.
c a t c h e r ' s a d v i c e when f i e l d
i n g slow h i t b a l l s ,
i f you a r e
in doubt
a b o u t w h e r e t o make t h e p l a y . Fake a th ro w t o
d r i v e men b a c k t o t h e i r b a s e s
when f i e l d i n g h a r d h i t
ground b a l l s .
B l o c k o r k n o c k down a n y h a r d h i t b a l l s .
(U sually
you w i l l s t i l l have tim e t o th ro w t h e r u n n e r o u t .) A t t e m p t t o make a l l t h r o w s t o t h e s e c o n d b a s e m a n and f i r s t
basem an c h e s t h i g h .
A l w a y s make t h e p l a y t o t h e c l o s e s t b a s e , u n l e s s th ere
i s a c h an c e f o r a double p l a y .
B ack up t h e p i t c h e r on a l l t h r o w s fro m t h e f i r s t basem an. Always h a n d t h e b a l l
to t h e p i t c h e r .
(Never l e t
71 him t i r e it 9.
him self
out by w a tc h in g the b a l l w h ile
i s b e in g throw n around th e i n f i e l d . )
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
W here t o g e t f u r t h e r
assistan ce. a.
R eserve s h e l f : 31;
5;51-104,
b«
M agazines:
c.
Film l i b r a r y :
d.
High s c h o o l ,
2 ;9 8 -lll,
122-130;
3 ;1 2 -1 5 ,
27-
119-124.
6;
7. 3;
4;
5.
c o lle g e , and p r o f e s s i o n a l b a s e b a ll
games. C.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Some a c t i v i t i e s
your in d iv id u al 1.
t h a t w i l l h e l p improve
defense p l a y .
Choose y o u r p o s i t i o n a n d ta k e
i n f i e l d p r a c t i c e , w ork
i n g on t h e f u n d a m e n t a l s i n t h i s 2.
ch ap ter.
Go t o a p r o f e s s i o n a l game a n d w a t c h t h e th at
in fie ld e r
i s p la y in g your p o s itio n , and note h is
good
and bad te c h n iq u e s . 3.
P l a y y o u r p o s i t i o n i n an i n t r a - s q u a d gam e, f o l l o w i n g the
D.
in stru c tio n s in th is
EVALUATION:
chapter.
A c h e c k o n i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t s h o u l d b e known
about the i n f i e l d p o s i t i o n s . 1.
RATING SCALE:
P u t a number i n t h e p r o p e r s p a c e
according to th e p l a y e r 's a b i l i t y . progress,
8-10 e x c e lle n t
5 -7 a v e ra g e a d v an c em en t, below 5 - n e ed s
much m o r e w o r k . a.
( )
A b ility to play
b.
(
c.
( )
Perform ance o f th e
d.
( )
A b i l i t y t o make t h e
e.
(
) Proper sta n c e .
f.
(
) Knows f u n d a m e n t a l s o f h i s own p o s i t i o n .
) T agging a r u n n e r .
TRUE-FALSE: or fa ls e a.
own p o s i t i o n .
run-dow n p l a y . c u t - o f f p la y w ork.
P u t an X i n t h e p r o p e r s p a c e f o r t r u e
statem en ts.
T F ( ) ( )
You s h o u l d w a t c h t h e r u n n e r i n f i e l d i n g ground b a l l s ,
s o y o u w i l l know w h e r e t o
th ro w . b.
( ) ( )
You s h o u l d u s e t w o h a n d s w hen f i e l d i n g b a l l s when i t
c.
( ) ( )
It
is
p o ssib le.
i s b e s t t o k e e p y o u r b o d y low an d
u n d er com plete c o n t r o l . d.
( ) ( )
You s h o u l d a t t e m p t t o r e a c h t h e b a s e q u ic k ly and p re s e n t a s t a t i o n a r y t a r g e t .
e.
( ) ( )
S h o r t s t o p s an d second basem en s h o u ld alw ays c o v e r th e b a s e
t h e same way on
double p l a y s . f.
( ) ( )
An i n f i e l d e r
sh o u ld alw ays use th e
overhand th ro w . g.
( ) ( )
In cov erin g th e base strad d le
it
is b e st to
th e b ag and f a c e
the p la y e r
th at is
throw ing th e b a l l .
I n m aking t h e d o u b le p l a y , you s h o u ld make t h e f i r s t
out sure b efo re w orry
in g about th ro w in g t o f i r s t
base.
F i r s t and t h i r d basem en s h o u l d l e t f o u l b a lls
sto p b e f o r e p i c k i n g them u p .
You s h o u l d b e a b l e
to
throw from t h e
p o s i t i o n i n w hich you f i e l d
the b a l l .
The p i t c h e r s h o u l d c a t c h a l l f l y b a l l s w hich a r e
in th e v i c i n i t y
of th e
p i t c h e r ’ s mound. You s h o u l d a l l o w t h e r u n n e r t o
slid e
in to th e b a l l , r a t h e r than a c t u a l l y t a g g i n g him .
74 CHAPTER 7 .
FLY HAWKS
HOW TO PLAY THE OUTFIELD POSITIONS A«
MOTIVATION? o u tfie ld 1.
R e w a r d s t h a t may r e s u l t
sk illfu lly .
TEAM VALUE:
You w i l l h e l p t h e
b a se h i t s away fro m th e 2.
from p l a y i n g th e
TEAMWORK:
team by t a k i n g e x t r a
opposing batsm en.
You w i l l l e a r n t h e v a l u e o f c l o s e
w o r k among t h e o u t f i e l d e r s
team
in c u ttin g o ff th e e x tra
runs. 3.
SAFETY:
T h e r e i s much l e s s
p la y in g the o u tf ie ld 4.
FUTURE:
chance of g e t t i n g h u r t
th an p la y in g the i n f i e l d .
Y our c a r e e r i n b a s e b a l l w i l l be l o n g e r i f
you m a s te r t h e fu n d a m e n ta ls o f a good o u t f i e l d e r . B.
DIRECTIONS:
A few s u g g e s t i o n s t h a t w i l l a i d you i n b e
com ing a b e t t e r o u t f i e l d e r . 1.
STANCE: a.
How t o
S tand in (1)
sta n d in th e
o u tfie ld .
a relax ed p o sitio n fac in g
Keep t h e f e e t p a r a l l e l ,
the b a t t e r .
and th e knees
s lig h tly b en t. (2)
Be on y o u r t o e s f o r e v e r y p i t c h e d b a l l . (Never s t a n d f l a t - f o o t e d . )
b.
K eep y o u r e y e s h it
c.
on t h e b a t t e r u n t i l
the b a l l i s
and th e n f o llo w th e b a l l .
Be r e a d y
t o move i n a n y d i r e c t i o n . ( L e a n
75 slig h tly
in the
d i r e c t i o n t h a t yon e x p e c t th e
b a l l t o be h i t . ) POSITION:
How t o b e i n t h e r i g h t
spot a t
the r i g h t
tim e. a.
W atch t h e (1)
o p p o sin g team ta k e b a t t i n g p r a c t i c e .
N o tic e w here th e
d iffe re n t p lay ers h it
the
g r e a t e s t number o f b a l l s . (2)
Make m e n t a l n o t e s o n t h e
stre n g th s and
w eaknesses of t h e i r h i t t e r s . (3)
P lay your p o s itio n w ith refe ren c e to th ese o b serv atio n s.
b.
Be o n y o u r t o e s o n e v e r y p i t c h , y o u r move u n t i l t h e b a l l
c.
d.
is h it.
Get u n d e r t h e b a l l q u i c k l y , the b a ll
b u t d o n ’ t m ake
so t h a t y o u c a n c a t c h
stan d in g s t i l l .
C a tc h t h e b a l l w i t h t h e b o d y m oving t o w a r d t h e targ e t,
i f th ere
is
d a n g e r o f a man a d v a n c i n g
a f t e r th e c a tc h . (1)
W i t h a man on t h i r d , o f where t h e b a l l
(2)
p lay a l i t t l e
in back
i s going to f a l l .
Move f o r w a r d j u s t a s y o u c a t c h t h e b a l l t o b e i n a p o s i t i o n t o make a f a s t ,
accu rate
throw . e.
N e v e r , make a r u n n i n g c a t c h w h e n a s t a n d i n g c a t c h can be m ade•
f.
Use s h o r t , b a ll.
sm ooth s t r i d e s
in
g e ttin g under the
(T his w i l l keep th e b a l l fro m a p p e a rin g
t o b o u n c e •} g.
S h i f t y o u r p o s i t i o n f o r e a c h b a t t e r a f t e r you l e a r n w here t o p l a y him . b a tte r,
PLY BALLS;
( I f y o u d o n ' t know t h e
p la y in your norm al p o s i t i o n . ) A d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n on c a t c h i n g f l y
b a lls. a.
R eview c a t c h i n g f u n d a m e n t a l s i n c h a p t e r 3 .
b.
Remember t h a t a l l b a l l s h i t down t h e f o u l l i n e s w i l l te n d t o curve tow ard th e (1)
A ll f l y b a lls h it tow ard th e
(2)
B alls h it
left
B alls h it stra ig h t
(4)
field
foul lin e . w i l l curve tow ard
foul lin e .
c en ter f ie ld w i l l tr a v e l in a
lin e .
in fie ld .
P lay lin e
d riv e s s a f e l y u n le s s th e w inning ru n
w ill
score.
(1)
W atch f o r t h e b a l l t o r i s e
(2)
w i l l curve
A ll h ig h f l y b a l l s w i l l curve back tow ard the
c.
to
lin e s.
le ft field
to rig h t f ie ld
th e r ig h t f i e l d (3)
to
sid e
o r drop b e fo re
ch arg in g a h a rd h i t
lin e d riv e .
P lay th e
carefu lly ,
it
lin e
d riv e
g e t s by you i t
because i f
w i l l go f o r e x t r a b a s e s .
( I t w i l l a l l o w a s i n g l e t o be s t r e t c h e d , a n d p u t a man i n d.
Get t h e
sco rin g p o s itio n .)
jump on a l l f l y b a l l s
th a t are h i t
over
your head. (1)
T urn i n - th e d i r e c t i o n th e b a l l i s h i t .
(2)
T urn t o th e r i g h t i f rig h t sid e.
th e b a ll i s h it
(T urn t o t h e
left
if
on y o u r
the b a l l
is h i t to your l e f t . ) (3)
T urn and ru n b ack f a s t , the b a l l (a)
over th e
By k e e p i n g t h e e y e o n t h e b a l l y o u c a n if
it
curves.
C a tc h t h e b a l l o v e r t h e s h o u l d e r w h ic h you are
(5)
look ov er th e
sh o u ld er.
fo llo w i t (4)
sh o u ld er.
I f you t u r n t o t h e r i g h t , left
(b)
k e e p i n g t h e e y e on
lo o k in g .
A f t e r m aking t h e c a t c h t u r n a n d th r o w t o
the
r e l a y man. GROUND BALLS:
How t o f i e l d g r o u n d b a l l s
in th e o u t
field . a.
Review c a t c h i n g f u n d a m e n t a l s i n c h a p t e r 3 .
b.
P la y ground b a l l s
safe
in the
o u tfie ld ,
unless
you a r e t r y i n g t o keep th e w in n in g r u n from sco rin g . (1)
Get d i r e c t l y i n f r o n t o f t h e b a l l .
78 (2)
D r o p down o n one k n e e t o b l o c k t h e b a l l w i t h th e body i f (a)
it
bounces p a s t th e glo v e..
The i n f i e l d e r s h a v e t h e b a c k th e m up i f
(b)
o u tfie ld e rs to
th e y m iss a g ro u n d e r.
The o u t f i e l d e r s h a v e n o on e t o
back
them u p . c.
D o n ’t
let
th e b a l l g e t by you i f you c a n p o s s i b l y
h elp i t . d.
F ie ld the b a l l as f a s t runners
THROWING-:
as p o ssib le
i f th ere
are
on b a s e . How t o t h r o w t h e b a l l f r o m t h e
o u tfie ld .
a.
R eview t h r o w i n g t e c h n i q u e s i n c h a p t e r 3 .
b.
A lways u s e t h e
c.
Throw t h e b a l l low a n d on a l i n e . the b a l l ,
o v erhand throw from t h e
or tr y
o u tfie ld .
(N ever loop
t o t h r o w i t a l l o f t h e way on
the f l y .) (1)
Throw t h e b a l l on t h e f i r s t
(2)
w ill reach th e re c e iv e r
bounce.
Make s h o r t t h r o w s a n d r e l a y s re c e iv e r about
d.
so i t
d i r e c t l y to the
shoulder h ig h .
R etu rn th e b a l l to th e
in fie ld
im m ed iately a f t e r
every c a tc h . #
e.
F igure
out every p la y b efo re each p itc h ,
a n d know
what you a r e g o i n g t o d o . STRATEGY:
How t o p l a y y o u r p o s i t i o n i n t h e
o u tfie ld .
a.
A lw ays b a c k up o t h e r o u t f i e l d e r s when t h e y a r e f i e l d i n g ground b a l l s a n d f l y b a l l s .
b.
Help y o u r f e l l o w o u t f i e l d e r s b y c a l l i n g and c l e a r l y f o r a l l f l y b a l l s
lo u d ly
t h a t you c a n f i e l d
easily . c.
P lay a l i t t l e
to o deep r a t h e r th a n
shallow i f
you a re n o t a c q u a in te d w ith t h e b a t t e r ’s a b i l i t y . d.
B a c k up t h e b a s e , o r t h e
i n f i e l d e r , when a p l a y
i s b e i n g made t h e r e . e.
P lay your p o s itio n according to your p i tc h e r 's a b ility . (1)
P lay th e b a t t e r to h i t
late
if
your p itc h e r
is fa st. (2)
P la y the b a t t e r t o p u l l the b a l l i f th e p i t c h e r throw s a l o t the
of cu rv es and changes.
f.
Move i n c l o s e r t o
in fie ld
on w e a k h i t t e r s .
g.
H elp o t h e r o u t f i e l d e r s t h a t a r e c h a s in g lo n g b a l l s b y t e l l i n g t h e m a b o u t o b s t a c l e s t h a t may be i n t h e i r p a t h s .
h.
A bove a l l e l s e , th ere w a itin g ,
h u stle. than t o
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER;
(It
i s b e t t e r t o be
get th ere too l a t e . ) W h ere t o g e t f u r t h e r
assis tan c e . a.
R eserve s h e l f ;
b.
M agazines;
5;
2; 1 1 2 - 1 1 7 ; 6.
3;17-20;
5;106-119.
80 c.
F ilm l i b r a r y :
3;
4j
5.
d.
High s c h o o l , c o l l e g e , and p r o f e s s i o n a l b a s e b a l l game s •
C.
ASSIGNMENTS:
A few a c t i v i t i e s
t h a t w i l l h e lp you m a s te r
th e fundam entals o f good o u t f ie ld i n g te c h n iq u e s . 1.
C atch f l y b a l l s h i t by th e throw s t o
2.
coach and p r a c t i c e
your
d ifferen t bases.
Team u p w i t h o t h e r o u t f i e l d e r s a n d p r a c t i c e
c allin g
f o r f l y b a l l s and c a tc h in g them . 3.
W a t c h a p r o f e s s i o n a l b a s e b a l l g a m e , a n d n o t i c e how th e
o u t f ie ld e r s p lay ed in r e l a t i o n to th e tec h n iq u e s
le a r n e d in t h i s m anual. 4.
P l a y a n i n t r a - s q u a d game a n d u s e t h e t e c h n i q u e s found in t h i s book.
D.
EVALUATION: by th e 1.
A c h e c k on k n o w le d g e t h a t
s h o u l d b e known
o u tfie ld e rs.
RATING SCALE:
P u t a number i n th e p r o p e r sp a ce In
accordance w ith th e p l a y e r 's a b i l i t y . advancem ent,
5-7 av erag e
8-10 e x c e lle n t
im provem ent, below 5 - n eed s
m u ch m o r e w o r k . a.
( ) C atch in g
tech n iq u es.
b.
( ) P ly b a lls
c.
( ) F ield in g
ground b a l l s
in
the o u t f i e l d .
d.
( ) T hrow ing
te c h n iq u e s from
the o u t f i e l d .
over th e head.
e.
( )
A b ility to co operate w ith o th e r o u tf ie ld e r s on f l y b a l l s
TRUE-FALSE: true
or fa lse
a.
T F ( )( )
b.
( )( )
h i t b e tw e e n them.
Put an X in th e a p p ro p ria te
space f o r
statem en ts. A ll f l y b a lls h i t to r ig h t f i e l d
w ill
curve tow ard th e l e f t f i e l d
lin e .
foul
A ll hig h f l y b a ll s w i l l curve back to w ard th e i n f i e l d .
c.
( )( )
T he o u t f i e l d e r
should f i e l d ground b a l l s
i n t h e sa m e m a n n e r a s t h e d.
( )( )
In th ro w in g th e b a l l to th e b a se s o r home p l a t e , it
e.
( )( )
a ll
(
)( )
he s h o u ld a tte m p t t o th ro w
o f t h e way a n d a t
As l o n g a s t h e b a l l th ere
f.
in fie ld e rs.
shoulder h e ig h t.
is a h igh ,
easy f l y ,
i s no r e a s o n t o h u r r y u n d e r i t .
I f y o u know a b a t t e r ’ s s t r e n g t h y o u should s t a r t
m oving i n t h a t d i r e c t i o n
as th e b a l l is p itc h ed . g.
( )( )
B a lls h i t alo n g th e l e f t f i e l d
lin e
w i l l curve to w ard c e n te r f i e l d . h.
( )( )
B alls h i t
to c e n te r f i e l d have a tendency
to tra v e l in a s tra ig h t i.
( )( )
You s h o u l d c h a r g e a l l th e crack o f the b a t •
lin e .
lin e
d riv es a t
82
PART I I I .
STAYING IN SHAPE
HOW TO TAKE CARE OP YOURSELF DURING BASEBALL SEASON C o n d itio n in g , im p o rta n t item s t o lo st
s a f e t y , and h e a l t h a re
th ree
a good b a s e b a l l te a m .
Many t e a m s h a v e
i m p o r t a n t games b e c a u s e t h e i r
or sic k .
o f t h e m ost
key p l a y e r s w ere i n j u r e d
T he f o l l o w i n g c h a p t e r s w i l l g i v e y o u a f e w i m
p o r t a n t h i n t s on t a k i n g c a r e o f y o u r s e l f , game c o m e s a l o n g , y o u w i l l b'e r e a d y f o r
so w h e n t h a t b i g
it.
83 CHAPTER 8 .
CONDITIONING
HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A BASEBALL GAME A.
MOTIVATION;
A dvantages
o f k e e p in g t h e body i n good
con
d itio n . 1.
PLAYER ESTEEM: if
2.
you s ta y
You w i l l be a b e t t e r i n d i v i d u a l p l a y e r
in sh a p e .
TEAM STRENGTH:
P r o p e r c o n d i t i o n i n g w i l l p a y o f f when
you an d y o u r team n eed i t 3.
GREATER ENJOYMENT: f o u g h t games i f
B.
DIRECTIONS:
the m ost.
You w i l l e n j o y t h e c l o s e , h a r d -
your body i s p ro p e rly c o n d itio n e d .
Some s u g g e s t i o n s t h a t w i l l h e l p t o k e e p t h e
body p r o p e r ly c o n d itio n e d f o r th e e n t i r e 1.
PHYSICAL TRAINING:
How t o g e t t h e maximum r e s p o n s e
f r o m y o u r b o d y wh en a.
b aseb all season.
it
i s m ost n e e d e d .
Take p l e n t y o f l i g h t s t r e n g t h a n d s t r e t c h i n g ex ercises.
b.
Don’t
ta k e any e x e r c is e s t h a t
m u scular a c t i o n s c.
d.
go a g a i n s t t h e
of a c tu a l p lay in g c o n d itio n s.
P la y p l e n t y of h a n d b a l l , t e n n i s , an d o t h e r m inor a c tiv itie s
to
d u rin g the
off season.
Do a l o t
s t a y i n f a i r l y good c o n d i t i o n
of ru n n in g to
develop th e
and e n d u ra n c e . e.
Do p l e n t y o f t h r o w i n g a t a t a r g e t .
l e g m uscles
N e v e r th r o w so much t h a t you t i r e
th e m u scles.
Ge t i n p l e n t y o f b a t t i n g p r a c t i c e u s i n g t h e p ro p e r fun dam entals
of h ittin g ,
b u n tin g ,
and
drag b u n tin g . Work o n y o u r b a s e r u n n i n g a n d s l i d i n g . slid in g p ractice
s h o u l d be done i n a s l i d i n g p i t
u n t i l p ro p e r tim in g i s P lay a l o t
(The
d ev elo p ed .)
o f p e p p e r , h a v in g th e c o a c h h e l p you
w ith th e p ro p e r fu n d am en tals o f f i e l d i n g ground b a lls,
th ro w in g , and h i t t i n g .
C h a se f l y b a l l s w i t h t h e p i t c h e r s when t h e r e n o th in g e ls e to
is
do.
Use t h e f o l l o w i n g e x e r c i s e s
d u rin g the e a r ly
co n d itio n in g p e rio d . (1)
S it ups.
(2)
Toe t o u c h e r s .
(3)
Trunk t w i s t e r s .
(4)
H a lf knee b e n d s.
(Never use th e f u l l knee
b e n d s.) ( 5 ) ' Toe t o u c h e r f r o m a s i t t i n g p o s i t i o n . (6)
The b i c y c l e .
(7)
S ide s t r a d d le hop.
(8)
R unning i n p l a c e .
F ollow th e i n s t r u c t i o n s m ethods o f c o n d i t i o n i n g .
of your coach as to
o th er
m.
Take a sh o w er i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r w o r k i n g o u t a n d dry o ff p ro p e rly .
TRAINING RULES;
How t o
e n tire b aseb all
season.
sta y in
shape d u rin g th e
a.
Never g e t o u t o f c o n d it i o n .
b.
Get a t l e a s t e i g h t h o u r s s l e e p e v e r y n i g h t .
(Some
p la y e r s need m o re.) c.
Do n o t smok e o r d r i n k . a th le tic s
d.
for n ico tin e
(T h e re i s no p l a c e
in
or a lc o h o l.)
E a t good wholesom e f o o d ,
such as eg g s, m ilk ,
m eat, p l e n t y of f r u i t and v e g e t a b l e s ,
and d rin k
p le n ty of w ater. e.
Eat
s l o w l y a n d chew y o u r f o o d w e l l .
f.
Use i o d i z e d s a l t wTi t h y o u r m e a l s .
g.
A void g r e a s y an d f r i e d
h.
A lways t a k e a sh o w er a f t e r a n y p r a c t i c e
foods d u rin g th e
season. o r game.
(1)
F irst,
t a k e a w arm s h o w e r , n e v e r h o t .
(2)
Second, ta k e a c o o l show er, n e v e r c o ld .
(3)
Cool o f f b e fo re
le a v in g the b u ild in g .
i.
D o n 't e a t h e a v i l y j u s t b e f o r e a game.
j.
R eport a l l i n j u r i e s
im m ed iately .
(D o n 't e n d a n g e r
y o u r s e l f b y p l a y i n g when n o t i n c o n d i t i o n . ) k.
Always w e a r c l e a n
socks,
su p p o rte rs, and under
sh irts. 1.
K eep y o u r h a i r c u t r e a s o n a b l y s h o r t
d u rin g the
86 season. m.
is easier
D o n ’t n e g l e c t a ll
n.
(It
to keep i t
c le a n .)
sc ratc h es or b ru is e s ,
skin in fe c tio n s
and r e p o r t
to th e coach,
I f you become s t a l e ,
or t i r e d
of p lay in g b a se b a ll
you s h o u ld :
o,.
(1)
Get m o r e r e s t .
(2)
E lim in ate
p ra c tic e fo r th enext
(3)
E lim in ate
p r a c t i c e d r u d g e r y bym aking
p rac tic es
co m p etitiv e.
D o n 't h a rb o r c o m p la in ts o r g r i p e s ,
fewd a y s . your
ta k e them t o
y o u r coach* 3.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
W here t o g e t f u r t h e r
a ssi stan ce.
C.
a.
R e s e rv e s h e l f : 4;
b.
M agazines:
c.
Film l i b r a r y :
ASSIGNMENTS:
5;304-310.
2. 4;
5.
Some a c t i v i t i e s t h a t w i l l h e l p y o u r c o n
d itio n in g . 1.
P l a y i n a s h o r t i n t r a - s q u a d game, a n d f i n i s h w i t h a base ru n n in g c o n te s t.
2.
P la y a f u l l n in e i n n in g b a s e b a l l game.
3.
P rep are a p e rs o n a l c o n d itio n in g c h a rt and keep th e c h a r t up t o
d ate f o r th e e n t i r e
season.
87 D.
EVALUATION:
A c h e c k o n i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t s h o u l d b e kn o w n
about b a s e b a ll c o n d itio n in g . 1.
RATING SCALE: item s th a t
2.
Put an X in th e p ro p er p la c e
of the
a r e b e in g done s a t i s f a c t o r i l y .
a.
( ) Takes a show er a f t e r each p r a c t i c e
b.
( ) F o llo w s th e team t r a i n i n g r u l e s .
c.
( ) C a listh e n tics.
d.
( ) H u s t l e s d u r i n g p r a c t i c e s a n d games.
e.
( ) U nderstands th e
TRUE-FALSE:
and
game.
im p o rtan ce o f c o n d it i o n in g .
P u t an X i n t h e
correct
space
fo r tru e
or f a l s e . a.
T F ( )( )
It
is
im p o rta n t to keep in c o n d itio n
during th e e n ti r e b.
( )( )
Deep k n e e b e n d s a r e a n e x c e l l e n t e x e r c i s e for
c.
( )( )
year.
d ev elo p in g th e
leg s.
I n c o n d i t i o n i n g y o u r arm ,
it
i s f a r more
im p o rta n t t o throw f o r d is t a n c e th a n f o r , accuracy. d.
( )( )
You s h o u l d t a k e a h o t s h o w e r , f o l l o w e d b y a v e r y c o l d one a f t e r
each p r a c tic e
p e r i od o r g am e• ( ) ( ) T rain in g r u le s
should o n ly be
on f i r s t s t r i n g m e m b e r s o n l y .
enforced
88 CHAPTER 9 .
SAFETY
HOW.TO- PROTECT YOURSELF A.
MOTIVATION:
Rewards o f w ise
d ecisio n s
in re g a rd to your
personal h e a lth . 1.
PERSONAL SATISFACTION:
Yon w i l l e n j o y t h e
game o f
b a s e b a l l more i f you r e a l l y f e e l l i k e p l a y i n g . 2.
3.
TEAM HEALTH:
It
to th e
to have a h e a l th y team .
coach,
DEPENDABILITY:
is
e q u a lly advantageous t o you, as
You w i l l b e r e a d y t o p l a y b a l l when
th e c o a c h n e e d s you t h e m o s t,
i f you m a i n t a i n a
h e alth y body. 4.
POSITION ON TEAM: if
B.
You c a n n o t b e o n t h e f i r s t
you a r e a l w a y s on t h e
DIRECTIONS:.
Some h e l p f u l
strin g
sick l i s t .
su g g estio n s
on how t o k e e p y o u
and your body in s h a p e . 1.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION: p h y sically f i t a.
How t o m ake s u r e t h a t y o u a r e
f o r co m p etitio n .
Take a p h y s i c a l e x a m i n a t i o n a t t h e b e g i n n i n g o f the s p rin g sem ester.
b.
T a k e a n e x a m i n a t i o n a n y t i m e t h a t y o u f e e l on e is needed.
c.
Be s u r e t h a t y o u r p h y s i c a l e x a m i n a t i o n i n c l u d e s a th o r o u g h c h e c k on: (l)
The h e a r t .
89
d.
(2)
The e y e s .
(3)
H ern ias and o th e r m u scu lar w eaknesses
(4)
The t e e t h .
(5)
The n o s e a n d t h r o a t .
(6)
The b l o o d p r e s s u r e .
(7)
H eight and w e ig h t.
Be s u r e t o c h e c k w i t h y o u r d o c t o r a b o u t d e f e c t s , a s so m e c a n b e c o r r e c t e d b y p r o p e r e q u i p m e n t .
2.
IN J U R I E S :
How t o p r e v e n t
and c a r e f o r t h e
common
b aseb all in ju rie s . a.
R eport a l l
in ju rie s
b.
R eport a l l
serio u s in ju rie s
c.
R eport a l l
in ju ries
ment t o t h e d.
coach. to th e
d o cto r.
th a t f a i l t o respond to t r e a t
d o cto r.
Never r e t u r n to a c t i o n have th e
e.
to th e
a f t e r an i n j u r y u n t i l you
d o c to r's p e rm issio n ,
N e v e r p l a y a b a l l game w he n y o u a r e p h y s i c a l l y u n fit.
f.
How t o t r e a t a " s t r a w b e r r y "
(s lid in g b u rn .)
(1)
Wash w i t h w arm w a t e r a n d m i l d s o a p .
(2)
C o v e r w i t h a l i g h t c o a t o f 5% S u l f a t h i a z o l e and a s t e r i l e
d ressin g .
(3)
K eep t h e a r e a
c le a n and w e l l p r o t e c t e d .
(4)
Check y o u r s l i d i n g p a d s t o b e s u re t h e y i n good c o n d i t i o n .
are
(5)
See t h a t
s lid in g pads are w e ll a d ju s te d .
(6)
P ractice
s lid in g in a so ft p i t u n t i l your
t i m i n g h a s become p e r f e c t e d . g.
How t o t r e a t (1)
sp ik e wounds.
S e e y o u r d o c t o r i m m e d i a t e l y , a s i t may b e more s e r i o u s t h a n you t h i n k .
(2)
W ash t h e wound w i t h s o a p a n d warm w a t e r .
(3)
A pply a m ild s o l u t i o n o f M e r t h i o l a t e t o th e wound•
(4)
Cover t h e c u t w ith a s t e r i l e
bandage.
(5)
Wear c l e a n c o t t o n s a n i t a r y s o c k s u n d e r y o u r uniform socks every day.
(6)
R eview y o u r b a s e c o v e r i n g f u n d a m e n t a l s t o be s u r e t h a t
you a r e
g e t t i n g a s much p r o
t e c t i o n from th e b a se a s p o s s i b l e . h.
How t o t a k e c a r e o f b l i s t e r s . (1)
D o n ’t
o p e n th em u n l e s s t h e y become i n f e c t e d .
(2)
Cover th e b l i s t e r w ith a d h e siv e t a p e ,
if
it
would o t h e r w i s e c o n t i n u e t o b e e x p o s e d . (3)
T reat
the b l i s t e r
as a slid e (4)
after
it
breaks th e
same
burn.
D is c a r d p i e c e s o f equipm ent t h a t c o n t i n u a l l y cause b l i s t e r s .
(5)
Be c a r e f u l ;
th ere
i s no e x c u s e f o r a n a t h l e t e
c o llec tin g b lis te r s .
i.
How t o t r e a t
a th letes
fo o t.
(1)
Keep t h e f e e t c l e a n a n d d r y .
(2)
Dry w e l l b e tw ee n t h e t o e s .
(5)
Use c l e a n s a n i t a r y s o c k s d a i l y .
(4)
Powder y o u r f e e t e a c h day w i t h a good f o o t pow der.
(5)
See y o u r d o c t o r i f t h e
in f e c tio n g e ts out
of c o n tro l. j.
How t o t r e a t
jo ck i t c h .
(1)
Change y o u r j o c k s t r a p e v e r y d a y .
(2)
Powder t h e c h a f e d a r e a .
(3)
N e v e r w e a r a damp s u p p o r t e r .
(4)
Wash t h e
i n f e c t e d a r e a w i t h am i l d
soap and
w ater. (5) k.
T reat
jo ck i t c h the
How t o t r e a t
same a s a t h l e t e s f o o t ,
a stone b r u is e .
(1)
S tay o ff of your f e e t i f
it
is
on t h e h e e l .
(2)
Surround th e b r u is e d a re a w ith ic e packs f o r seventy-tw o h o u rs.
(3)
Make a s p o n g e p a d t o p r o t e c t
the in ju re d
area. (4)
Keep f r o m r e i n j u r i n g u n t i l a l l p a i n h a s ceased.
1.
How t o t r e a t (1}
a ch arley horse.
A d m in iste r ic e packs im m ed iately .
92 L a te r use h e a t tr e a tm e n ts . Use m a s s a g e a n d l i g h t e x e r c i s e s t o h a s t e n the h e a lin g . Use d i a t h e r m y o r m o i s t h e a t , r a t h e r t h a n dry h e a t . Warm u p p r o p e r l y t o p r e v e n t a r e o c u r r e n c e of th is to
in ju ry ,
take care
of a sp rain ed a n k le .
S u r r o u n d t h e a n k l e w i t h i c e p a c k s im m edi a te ly . Use h e a t t r e a t m e n t a f t e r t h e f i r s t
sev enty-
two h o u r s . Have X r a y s t a k e n t o b e s u r e i t
is not
broken. Have y o u r c o a c h t a p e y o u r a n k l e f o r a d d itio n a l
su p p o rt.
D o n ’t r e t u r n t o p r a c t i c e u n t i l you h a v e t h e p erm issio n of th e coach or d o c to r. Check f o r i l l
fittin g
shoes.
Check s l i d i n g f u n d a m e n t a l s . Check p i v o t i n g f u n d a m e n ta ls , to ta k e c a r e o f a so re arm . The b e s t c u r e A void t h e
i s p le n ty of r e s t and h e a t .
c o n tin u a l use of stro n g lin a m e n ts.
M oist h e a t , n o t
dry h e a t ,
is
th e b e s t.
(4)
(5)
D o n ' t k e e p r e i n s u r i n g a s o r e a r m , a s i t may t u r n i n t o a g l a s s arm , o r
a d e ad arm .
The o n l y c u r e f o r a g l a s s
arm i s t o p r e v e n t
it. (6)
Warm u p e x c e p t i o n a l l y w e l l a f t e r s u f f e r i n g a sore
o.
How t o
arm .
t r e a t and p re v e n t
sp lit fin g ers.
(1)
T re a t w ith c o ld so ak s and l i g h t e x e r c i s e .
(2)
Never s p l i n t a sim ple s p r a i n .
('3)
See th e d o c to r i f
it
is
a tru e
"b aseb all
f in g e r •” (4)
K e ep y o u r e y e on t h e b a l l
a t a l l tim e s.
(5)
D o n 't h u r r y y o u r th ro w u n t i l you h av e c a u g h t th e b a l l .
(6)
N e v er l o o k away fro m t h e b a l l
ju s t before
you c a t c h i t . (7)
K eep t h e f i n g e r s o f t h e u n g l o v e d h a n d clo se d , w ith th e
sid e o f your hand tow ard
the ap proaching b a l l u n t i l i t
has been
cau g h t. SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER: assistan ce. a.
R eserve s h e l f :
b.
M agazines:
2.
4;
1.
Where t o g e t f u r t h e r
94 C.
ASSIGNMENTS:
S uggested a c t i v i t i e s
u nd erstan d th e 1.
t h a t w i l l h e l p you
im p o rtan ce o f s e l f - p r o t e c t i o n .
Take a p h y s i c a l e x a m i n a t i o n a t
th e b e g in n in g of the
seaso n and u se th e p ro p e r tre a tm e n t f o r any i n j u r i e s re c e iv e d during th a t 2.
season.
Work w i t h y o u r c o a c h i n t h e f i r s t th e tim e p h y s i c a l e x a m in a tio n s a re is
3.
D.
g i v e n , and when he
t r e a t i n g wounds.
Make a w r i t t e n o u t l i n e to
a i d room d u r i n g
treat
EVALUATION;
on a t h l e t i c
in ju ries
a n d how
them . A c h e c k o n i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t s h o u l d b e known
about sa fe ty in b a s e b a ll. 1.
RATING SCALE:
Put an X in th e
t h a t have been com pleted,
of th e item s
or are f u l l y u nderstood.
a.
( )
P h y sic a l e x am in atio n .
b.
( )
Know how t o
c.
( } C lassific atio n
d.
( )
treat
space
sim p le
b aseb allin ju rie s .
te st.
Know w h a t t o d o w i t h t h e
mores e r i o u s
base-
b a ll in ju rie s. e.
( }
Know how t o e x e r c i s e
f o r i n d i v i d u a l weak
nesses or in ju rie s . 2.
TRTJE-PALSE:
Put an X in th e c o rr e c t space f o r
tru e
or f a ls e . a.
T F ( ) ( )
S p ik e wounds s h o u l d be t r e a t e d t h e
same
95 as a straw b erry , b.
( ) ( ) As l o n g a s a s p i k e wound h a s b e e n r e po rted to th e to t e l l th e
c.
d o cto r,
th ere i s
no n e e d
coach.
( ) ( ) The s u p p o r t e r , sw eatsh irt
d.
or slid in g burn.
s a n ita r y socks, and
should be c le a n each day.
( ) ( ) The b e s t r e m e d y f o r s k i n i r r i t a t i o n s c le an lin ess.
e.
( ) (
) It
is
im portant to tape a sp ra in e d
f i n g e r im m ed iately t o p re v e n t f u r t h e r in ju ry .
is
96 CHAPTER 1 0 .
HEALTH
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY A.
MOTIVATION:
A dvantages to be g a in e d by f o llo w in g th e
few s a f e t y r u l e s 1.
of b a s e b a ll,
PERSONAL PROGRESS:
Your p l a y i n g s k i l l w i l l n o t be
ham pered by f r e q u e n t i n j u r i e s . 2.
PAIN:
You w i l l a v o i d
su fferin g
serio u s personal
d isc o m fo rts by p ro p e rly p re p a rin g y o u rs e lf fo r p r a c t i c e and gam es. 5. B.
TEAM VALUE:
DIRECTIONS: p ro tec tin g 1.
Some h e l p f u l s u g g e s t i o n s t h a t w i l l a i d i n one o f y o u r m o st v a l u a b l e a s s e t s ,
WARMING UP: a.
You c a n b e i n t h e l i n e - u p e v e r y d a y .
th e body.
How t o warm u p d a i l y a n d b e f o r e a g a m e .
Take a few m i n u t e s o f c a l i s t h e n i c s , head e x e rc is e s , th en
s t a r t i n g w ith
the arm s, and f i n i s h w ith a
few body e x e r c i s e s . b.
R un a b o u t h a l f s p e e d u n t i l y o u a r e w e l l w a rm e d up.
c.
A v o id q u i c k s t a r t s u n t i l t h o r o u g h l y warmed u p .
d.
S t a r t th r o w in g e a s y and g r a d u a l l y i n c r e a s e h a lf
e .
to
speed.
Only t h r o w h a r d a f t e r you a r e
t h o r o u g h l y warmed
up. f.
W ea r o n l y w o o l u n d e r s h i r t s u n d e r y o u r u n i f o r m ,
never c o tto n . g.
A v o i d r u n n i n g o r t h r o w i n g h a r d whe n y o u f e e l tire d .
h.
Do a f e w s t r e t c h i n g e x e r c i s e s b e t w e e n i n n i n g s t o h e lp you keep l o o s e .
i.
Indulge
i n a f a s t p e p p e r game b e f o r e b a t t i n g
or
in fie ld p rac tic e. j.
Get i n p l e n t y o f r u n n i n g , a s i t
is e sse n tia l for
good c o n d i t i o n i n g o f b a s e b a l l p l a y e r s . k.
A id th e c o a c h and team m ates by h i t t i n g to the
fly b a lls
o u tfie ld .
1.
Run, n e v e r w a lk ,
m.
A v o id w arm ing up t o o much, a s w e l l a s n o t e n o u g h .
EQUIPMENT:
on th e b a s e b a l l f i e l d .
How t o w e a r a n d m a i n t a i n y o u r e q u i p m e n t .
a.
K eep y o u r u n i f o r m a s
b.
Change u n d e r s h i r t ,
clean a s p o s s ib le .
so c k s, and jock s tr a p each
day. c.
Hang c l o t h e s u p a f t e r e a c h p r a c t i c e w ill
d.
so t h a t
they
dry.
Make s u r e t h e u n i f o r m f i t s
l o o s e ly , and i s
com fort
a b le and n e a t . e.
Use a w a t e r - p r o o f o i l
on s h o e s t o
keep them s o f t
and p l i a b l e . f .
Use v a s e l i n e keep th e
or p etro leu m
leath er
so ft.
jelly
on y o u r g l o v e t o
g.
W ear t h e u n i f o r m p r o p e r l y .
h.
Be s u r e
i.
A void w e a r in g s h o e s t h a t a r e t o o l a r g e ,
j.
A bove a l l e l s e
k.
Wear t h e u n i f o r m t o p r o t e c t y o u r s e l f , a s w e l l a s
th at
shoes f i t
( L e a r n how t o d r e s s . )
very snug, n o t t i g h t .
be c l e a n a n d n e a t . .
t o make y o u r s e l f l o o k g o o d . SUITING- UP: a.
How t o d r e s s p r o p e r l y .
Take d r e s s c l o t h e s
o f f and h a n g them n e a t l y i n
your dress lo c k e r. b.
P u t on y o u r s u p p o r t e r and c u p , t h e n c h e c k t o be sure th a t
c.
it
is p ro p erly ad ju sted .
P u t on y o u r c l e a n ,
dry u n d e rs h irt,
under th e s u p p o rte r t o keep i t d.
P u l l on y o u r c l e a n
e.
P u t on u n i f o r m
f.
A d ju st your s l i d in g pads, are tie d
and p u l l i t
in p la c e .
s a n i t a r y and u n ifo rm so c k s.
sh irt. a n d be s u r e
over the uniform s h i r t
th at
th ey
to keep i t
from
slip p in g o u t. g.
P u l l on u n i f o r m p a n t s , a n d l e t
the to p f a l l to
th e f l o o r . (1)
P u l l b o tto m o f p a n t l e g above th e the
le g and f o l d
in ch es to (2)
c alf of
s o c k s o v e r a b o u t two
se c u re them .
A void th e u s e
of ru b b er bands in k eeping
the pant leg s up, as th e y w ill r e s t r i c t
the
99 c irc u la tio n . h.
P u ll p a n ts in to p o s i t io n , tu c k uniform s h i r t
in
and f a s te n th e b e l t . i.
Put h at
s q u a r e on t h e h e a d a n d p u l l i t
down i n
fro n t. (1)
D o n 't w ear th e b i l l
of th e cap tu rn e d up.
(2)
D o n ' t w e a r t h e c a p c o c k e d on t h e
side
of
the head. j.
W alk o u t t o t h e p l a y i n g f i e l d th e
4.
before p u ttin g
on
shoe s .
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER:
W here t o
get fu rth e r
assistan ce. a.
R eserve
sh elf:
2;79-87;
3 ;3-5 ;
5;2 9 0 -2 9 2 , 319-
322. b. C.
F ilm l i b r a r y :
ASSIGNMENTS;
4;
5.
S uggested a c t i v i t i e s
t h a t w i l l prove th e
im p o rtan ce o f good h e a l t h . 1.
P u t on y o u r u n i f o r m p r o p e r l y , m ak in g s u r e t h a t a l l p i e c e s o f equipm ent a re p r o t e c t i n g t h e p a r t s
of th e
b o d y f o r w h i c h t h e y w e r e d e s i g n e d , a n d warm u p f o r a p ra c tic e p erio d . 2.
W e a r y o u r u n i f o r m n e a t l y , warm u p p r o p e r l y a n d p l a y a r e g u l a r game o f b a s e b a l l .
100 D.
EVALUATION;
A c h e c k on i n f o r m a t i o n o n p e r s o n a l h e a l t h .
RATING SCALE:
Put an X in th e space o f th e
item s
th a t are not f u l l y understo o d . a.
(
)
How t o
keep th e u n ifo rm n e a t and c le a n .
b.
C
)
How t o
buy shoes t h a t w i l l f i t
c.
(
)
How t o p r e v e n t
p ro p erly .
such i n j u r i e s a s
so re arm s,
p u lle d m u scles, and b r u i s e s . d.
( )
How t o warm u p p r o p e r l y b e f o r e p r a c t i c e , before
e*
(
)
or
games.
How t o k e e p t h e
shoes and g lo v es in to p
co n d itio n . TRUE-FALSE:
P u t an X in th e c o r r e c t sp a c e f o r t r u e
or f a l s e . T a.
(
F ) ( )
The u n i f o r m i s
a means o f p r o t e c t i o n ,
as w e ll as bein g o rn am e n tal. b.
(
) ( )
The s t a t e m e n t ,
"S tart
th ro w in g e a sy and
g rad u a lly in cre ase to h a lf meant f o r p i t c h e r s c.
(
) ( )
speed" i s
o n ly .
B a se b a ll shoes should f i t
lo o se ly to
p rev e n t b l i s t e r s and so re f e e t .
101
BIBLIOGRAPHY
U N IV E R S IT Y O F S O U T H E R N C A L IF O R N IA L I1 R A O T
10 2 RESERVE SHELF SPECIAL BOOKS REPEATEDLY CITED Each t i t l e
in t h is
sectio n
i s coded f o r im m ediate r e f e r
ence a t th e end of each c h a p te r. CODE NUMBER 1.
A m e ric a n Red C r o s s : C o ., P h ila d e lp h ia ,
F i r s t A id T ex t-B o o k . 1944.
(A t r a i n e r ' s
The B l a k i s t o n
guide f o r a l l
ty p es of i n j u r i e s . ) 2.
B a r b o u r , R a l p h H e n r y , a n d S a r r a , LaMar: B etter B a se b all. New Y o r k , p lay ers
3.
B arry,
1940.
on a l l J.
M.»
D.
How t o P l a y
A p p l e t o n - C e n t u r y Company, I n c . ,
176 p p .
(An e x c e l l e n t b o o k f o r y o u n g
of the a s p e c ts of b a s e b a ll.) Fundam entals o f B a s e b a ll C o a ch in g .
The
U n i v e r s i t y o f S o u th e rn C a l i f o r n i a D epartm ent o f P h y s ic a l E d u c a t i o n , Los A n g e l e s ,
1947.
43 p p .
( T i p s on p l a y i n g
e a c h p o s i t i o n w i t h a d d i t i o n a l f u n d a m e n t a l s on b a t t i n g a n d base ru n n in g .) 4.
B icik , S. E .:
The T r a i n e r s B i b l e .
New Y o r k , 1 9 4 6 .
T . J . Reed an d C o .,
(A m a n u a l f o r t r e a t i n g , a t h l e t i c
in ju ries
and c o n d it i o n in g .) 5.
Coombs, J o h n W .: Y ork, 1947.
B aseb all.
326 p p .
P ren tice-H all,
In c .,
New
(An e x c e p t i o n a l h a n d b o o k f o r y o u n g
p l a y e r s on p l a y i n g t e c h n i q u e s ,
care
of th e body and con
d itio n in g . Dunne, B e r t V .j
P lay B a ll,
company, San F r a n c i s c o , t e e n a g e r s on t h e b aseb all,
Son.
1945.
S erra P ub lish in g
146 p p .
(Handbook f o r
i n d iv id u a l fu n d am en tals o f d e fe n siv e
b a ttin g ,
and b a s e r u n n i n g . )
MAGAZINES VALUABLE ARTICLES THAT ARE READILY AVAILABLE CODE NUMBER 1.
D iM aggio, J o e : (A p ril,
2.
G riffin ,
J . H .:
H u b b ell, C a rl,
6.
7.
and H a r tn e t t,
Gabby:
S c h o la s tic Coach, 18:7, "T hree C 's f o r
Coach. 1 7 :14-16,
(M arch,
Coach.
S c h o la s tic Coach,
1950).
R o b e r t s , A. W .:
S t a r u k , Ed:
"B a se b a ll Funda (May, 1 9 4 9 ) .
O u tfie ld e rs."
W agner, Honus: Coach. 1 9:12-13,
(M arch,
S c h o lastic
1948).
"P lay of th e S h o rts to p ." (A p ril,
S ch o lastic
1948).
"The D e f e n s e i n B a s e b a l l . "
17:10-11,
S c h o la s tic Coach.
1949).
"P itch in g P o lish ."
(February,
m en tals." 5.
" B a s e b a ll T ip S h e e t."
(November,
H ale, S idney: 19 :10-11,
4.
S c h o la stic Coach, 1 8 :7 -9 ,
1949).
19:28-31, 3.
’’How I B a t . "
1950).
S c h o lastic
FILM LIBRARY PICTURES OF PROVEN VALUE CODE NUMBER 1.
BATTING STARS OF BASEBALL.
33 m in
ad
SD
796 .3 -2 9
L .A . C o u n ty L i b r a r y . 2.
CIRCLING THE BASES.
16 l / 2
m in
sd
FSD
79 6 .3 -1 8
L .A . C o u n ty L i b r a r y . 3.
HEADS-UP BASEBALL.
25 m i n
sd
FSD
7 9 6 .3 -4
L .A .
C ounty L i b r a r y . 4.
INSIDE BASEBALL.
32 m in
sd
FSD
7 9 6 .3 -1 5
L.A .
C ounty L i b r a r y . 5.
PLAY BALL, SON.
18 m i n
sd
FSD
7 9 6 .3 -1 7
L ib rary .
o r s o v r ,^
c n iK m m
_
L .A . C o u n ty