NEW APPROACHES TO THE SLOW-ROLLER AT THIRD BASE

PART I – TO THE THIRD BASEMAN'S RIGHT

The SLOW-ROLLER presents a real fielding challenge for the third baseman. Because the third baseman is charging straight ahead toward home plate, an his momentum is going away from first base, it is extremely difficult for him to make a throw to first base which is accurate an has sufficient velocity to beat the batter/runner. For these are reasons many third baseman consider this their toughest play.

The SLOW-ROLLER results from a topped ball, often referred to as a swinging bunt, or a drag bunt attempt by the hitter. In either case, it usually creates a "do or die" play for the third baseman

I. TRADITIONAL FIELDING METHOD:

• The conventional method of fielding the SLOW-ROLLER to third base was popularized by Brooks Robinson former Baltimore Oriole great. Robinson said, "The slow hit ball should be fielded on the run and in front of the right or just outside the right foot. I like to have the ball roll into the palm of my bare hand, while I have my left foot forward. I will then make the throw as I step onto my right foot."
  1. This is a spectacular play and looks great when successful.
  2. However, it is difficult to execute at the amateur level and difficult to teach
• Invariable the throws lacks both accuracy an velocity and tends to be erratic due to the fact that the third baseman's momentum is going toward home plate and he is in an awkward throwing position when he makes his throw to first base.
• One result of the inaccurate throw is the first baseman being pulled into the first base foul line on the home plate side of first base and a collision or entanglement with the batter/runner often results.

II. NEW CONCEPT:

• Salty Parker taught an excellent method of fielding the SLOW-ROLLER, when he was the minor league infield instructor for the San Francisco Giants.
• Parker's method of handling the SLOW-ROLLER at third base does not appear in the coaching literature but deserves serious consideration and thought.
• Some advantages of Parker's method are as follows:
  1. It is easily taught and executed.
  2. The third's baseman's body is in good throwing position, which allows for greater accuracy and velocity on throws.
  3. It enables the average third baseman to be successful making this play.
  4. Changes third baseman's momentum toward first base facilitating his throw to first base.

• THE SALTY PARKER METHOD:

  1. Charge the ball.
  2. Approach the ball slightly to the right to get momentum going toward first base.
  3. Bring the body under control by breaking down using "chop steps."
  4. Field the baseball off the inside of the right foot�ball of right foot!
  5. Fanny down when fielding the baseball is an absolute "must!"
  6. Backhand the baseball off the ball of the right foot.
  7. The right foot is in front of the left foot when the ball is fielded. This facilitates the throw to first base by allowing the left side of the body to open easily. It also generates momentum toward first base.
  8. COME UP THROWING! Once the ball is fielded COME UP THROWING to save time… Do not come up and then throw.
  9. The third baseman should field the ball, take his rhythm step and COME UP THROWING in one continuous, almost simultaneous motion.
  10. The greater velocity of the throw using this method compensates for a slightly slower release.

      Rule of Thumb:
      1½ X MPH = Feet per Second
      80 MPH = 120 Feet per Second

  11. The "Back Hand Method" allows for a high percentage of success. It builds player confidence because immediate success is possible.

OBSERVATION:

"You want to make sure you catch the ball first, before you try to throw that is why I don't like to bare hand the ball; I want to make sure I catch it. If I miss the runner, I miss him, but at least I haven't missed the ball and given him the certain chance to make it that he wouldn't have had if I had caught the ball cleanly."

Joe Morgan was a second baseman but the idea he advocates still applies.

Good Luck!