First Base/Key Attributes
Image via WikipediaKey Position
First Base is a key position on the field in Little League. In the Big Leagues you can often hide a power hitter over there, but in Little League, it is important to get all the outs you can get! The other team only gets 18, so giving away just one gives them more than 5% more outs in the game! Drop 2, you are giving them more than 10% more outs than you get. It is easy to see why you need a good athlete at 1B
The first baseman doesn’t have to be the most nimble player, as they do not have too much territory to cover, but they must be able to catch and adjust to throws in the dirt or over their head. Likewise, the ability to stretch is important.
Accuracy Counts
First base should have a fairly accurate and strong arm. They often have to catch and immediately throw to third or home as the runner tries to advance on the respective fielders throw over to first to retire the batter . They should have a quick snap throw and they need to be minimally intelligent. They need to rotate to home plate , backup of the overthrown ball to the catcher w/ a runner on 3rd and cutoff for home from the outfield.
Left Handed
The ideal first baseman is left handed . They can make a quicker tag on a pickoff play, throw to second easier for a double play , cover the hole between 2nd/1st better, especially during a hit and run when the second baseman vacates to cover the bag, cover more territory to their right when holding a runner.
Key Characteristics
Here are some characteristics of a good pitcher:
- Left Handed
- Semi-Intelligent
- Strong
- Dedicated
- Accurate
- Tall
- Solid throwing fundamentals
A tall first baseman that can handle the ball in the dirt will save a lot of runs for your team. Practice throwing balls in the dirt coupled w/ ones up high to help them hone their skills.
Can you think of any other valuable characteristics a first baseman should have? Please share them.
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