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"Coach Dunn's Quick Pitches" — By Coach Jack Dunn
Defensive Fundamentals, Part 3
SHORTSTOP
The shortstop should have a strong arm, but if his arm is not too strong, he must develop the art of getting the ball away fast on all throws.
This is accomplished by not using any motion. He must be loose and limber, and any boy with a stiff back will be handicapped in this position.
Position of the Play
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Normal
The Shortstop must distribute his territory so that he can go both to the right or left equally well.
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Position with runner of first base, none out, contemplating a bunt, close score
The shortstop moves in a step or two, directly in line with home plate, and a few steps closer to second base, being ready to go to second
base to make the force out if the play is made to second base. The shortstop tries to make this play like a first baseman, stretching out as
far as possible. This is also true on all force out plays at second base. He plays in front of the base.
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Position with a man on first base and second base, none out, cinch bunt in order
The shortstop moves in and toward third base, holding till the ball is bunted, then covers third base for a force-out.
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Position with man on first base, none out, a double play in sight, and a left-hand batter at plate
The shortstop must move in directly toward home a few steps, and a shade toward second base, before the pitcher takes his position on the rubber,
in order that he will not lose too much time in getting to second base. It is all-important to get to the bag in time to start a double play.
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Position with a man on first base and third base, with an attempted double steal in order and a left-hand batter at plate
In the event a double steal is attempted, the shortstop runs rapidly from his position, after the ball has gone by the hitter, to a spot approximately
one step in front of second base, in a direct line with home plate. He must watch for an attempt by the runner on third base to score. If the runner
breaks for the plate, the short stop must charge fast to cut off the catcher's throw and return the ball to the catcher. If the runner on third base
does not attempt to score, the shortstop waits in his position, one step in front of second base, for the catcher's throw and then pivots around to
make the tag at second base.
The method of play above is recommended, but there is another one to follow in the same situation. In this, the shortstop runs rapidly from his position
to a spot in the diamond, about halfway between the pitchers' box and second base, directly in line with home plate. Coming to this position, he must watch
for an attempt on the part of the runner on third base to score. If the runner breaks for the plate, the shortstop must catch the ball thrown to him by the
catcher and return it to the plate for a possible out. If the runner does not make a break for the plate, the shortstop is in a position to let the ball go
through to the second baseman, who is covering second base, for the putout of the runner coming from first base. Always remember that the score of the game
and the inning will determine if you should try to cut the run off at the plate or try to get the runner stealing second base. If the run is the winning or
tying run, the play should be made to the plate.
Method of Playing Second Base
The shortstop moves in on all ground balls, does not let the ball play him, is directly in front of the ball, legs apart so as to be ready immediately to get
in a good throwing position, straightens up as he takes a short step to regain his balance and throws while stepping in the direction of his throw. Don't ever
lob the ball. Put something on it. Be sure your hands and glove are close to the ground when fielding all ground balls. Do not keep them rigid.
All balls fielded near second base, when a force play at second base is called for, should be tossed to the second baseman in an underhand method, taking a step
or two toward second base at the same time. Make sure your throws to the second baseman are above the waist.
The shortstop's hardest fielding plays are made (1) when a hit ball bounds over the pitcher's hand, and (2) when a ball is hit to the left of the third baseman
and to the shortstop's extreme right. In the first case, the ball must be fielded by the shortstop on the run. He throws to first base under full speed, from the
position in which he fields the ball. It is impossible for the shortstop to set himself for a perfect throw, but practice will aid him materially in perfecting
the play. In the second case, the shortstop must go after the ball at full speed. As he fields it, he throws most of his weight on his right foot and stops. The
momentum will cause his right foot to slide some distance in the dirt. He must brace himself for this act. As quickly as possible, he balances his body for a throw
to first base. This throw should be overhand because this is the fastest kind of throw.
On hard-hit balls directly at the shortstop, field the ball, straighten up taking a short step to regain balance, and if time allows, take a step or two in the
direction of the base, throwing directly overhand with good stuff on the ball, for accuracy and carry. Do not hurry this throw, if time allows, as hurried throws are usually wild.
Fielding fly balls
The sun plays a very important part in pop-ups, and the entire infield must get together, as the game goes along, as to who should take the pop-ups in the
event the ball is hit in their vicinity. The shortstop should at all times know where the outfielders are playing and allow the outfielder to catch a ball
coming in, as it is much easier for him than for the infielder to get it moving out toward the outfield. The shortstop should take all fly balls (fair or foul)
that the left fielder does not call for, in back of the third baseman.
The shortstop takes all throws from the pitcher, on balls hit directly back to the pitcher when the play is to second base. The only exception being in the
case where the hitter is a definite pull-right-hand hitter, and the shortstop is playing to the extreme right of his normal position. The second baseman then
takes the throw. The pitcher should be told of this situation before the play comes up.
Double Plays
Double plays made with the second baseman fielding the ball and the shortstop acting as the pivot, and vice versa, are perfect examples of proper teamwork and coordination.
The main defense in making double plays is to be sure that the man who will make the pivot, depending on whether the batter is right or left handed, plays close enough
in or near second base so that he can reach second base in time to receive the throw, tag the bag and get rid of the ball before the base runner, coming from first base,
has a chance to break up the play.
All throws in and around or close to second base should be made underhand.
All longer throws, by either the shortstop or second baseman, should be made by a forearm throw. All throws should be made above the waist. When the shortstop is to
receive the throw from the second baseman on a double play, he should attempt to be at the base, waiting for the throw. If the throw is to the outfield side of the base,
he should step toward the ball with the left foot, hit the base with the right foot and compete the throw to first. If the throw is to the inside of the base, step toward
the ball with the right foot, hit the base with the left foot and throw to first. On throws from first base, execute the play in the above manner. When the second baseman
is to receive the throw from the shortstop or third baseman on a double play, he should get to the bag quickly and then have a choice of many methods of tagging the bag.
A great deal depends on the position of the pivot man before the ball is hit, the speed of the runner coming into second base, the speed of the batted ball, and the type
of throw the pivot man will receive form the infielder.
In all cases, the second baseman quickly makes his break for second base, timing himself so that the instant before he reaches the bag, his feet are spread and he is on
balance. If the throw is to his right, he will, if in this position, be able to shift to his right and touch the bag with his left foot; if the throw is to his left, he
can shift to his left and touch the bag with his right foot. He should throw the ball in a manner most comfortable to himself, being governed by the type of play and his
own ability in getting rid of the ball.
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