First Base is the best position on the baseball field. First basemen are involved in nearly all of the ground ball outs. They need the ability to catch or block bad throws from the other infielders. On deep fly balls where a runner could score, they act as the cutoff man to home. And for left handers, first base is a great position for you.
A first baseman's primary job is to receive throws from infielders on ground balls, thus completing an out. Most ground outs end with the first baseman catching the ball. A very important skill of first basemen is the ability to catch or block bad throws for the other infielders. A good first baseman helps create outs and prevents runners from advancing.
On a hit to the outfield where a runner might score, the first baseman acts as a cutoff man to home. This means that the first baseman will line themselves up between the outfielder and the catcher and either make sure the ball gets to the catcher or reroutes the ball to another base to get an out.
Left handers enjoy an advantage at first base. If there is a need to throw to another base, a left handed first baseman does not need to reposition in order to throw the ball. Also, when receiving a throw from one of the other infielders, they do not need to turn their back to the infield.
So there you have it. First base is the best position to play. First basemen are involved on most of the ground balls that are hit. They block bad throws from the other infielders, keeping runners from taking extra bases. And left handed first basemen enjoy an advantage over right handers.
If you are a first baseman, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Lou Gehrig, Frank Chance, Orlando Cepeda, Jimmie Foxx, Harmon Killebrew, Willie McCovey, Eddie Murray, Keith Hernandez, Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and Don Mattingly.
This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.
This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths. It is my hope that coaches can use this series to help inspire a love for the game of baseball.
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