Player of the second base (2B) ( Eng. Second Baseman ) - a playing position in baseball between the first and second bases, one of the four positions in the infild . In the baseball numbering system, this position is assigned the number 4 . The range of tasks performed by the second base player is wide and varied. In terms of complexity and importance, this position is comparable only to the short-stop position, so players for both of these positions are usually selected based on their defensive playing skills.
Item Features
The task of the player of the second base in each specific draw significantly depends on the current game situation. In the simplest case, in the absence of running on the bases, the task is to catch the ball and quickly deliver it (throw) to the first base (it is necessary to do this before the batter can reach it).
If there is already a runner on the first base and the ball is hit on the left side of the infield (in the direction of a short stop or a third base player), the second base player must cover the second base to bring the runner into a forced out. Moreover, if at the beginning of the rally less than two opponents were put into touch, after the ball was delivered to second base, it was necessary to quickly transfer it to first base to put the batter in a forced out (organize a double play ). If the ball was hit on the right side of the infield, a short stop is responsible for the game at second base.
A high degree of consistency with the short stop is also necessary to prevent the theft of the base in the presence of running on the first or second bases.
The tasks of the second base player and short stop are very similar, and players, as a rule, can replace each other at these positions. At the same time, the position of the short stop is considered a little more difficult for the game (and as a result, the most important). This is due to two aspects:
- There are more right-handed hitters, and they often hit the ball into the left zone. As a result, as a rule, the load on the short stops is higher - it often comes into play.
- In general, a short stop is further from the first base. Thus, a short stop has less time to handle the ball and must quickly and accurately throw it at a greater distance.
Since there are a large number of options for game situations, players must be well prepared tactically and be able to quickly assess the situation to make the right decision.
From the point of view of physical skills, the following requirements are imposed on players of both positions: good coordination and dexterity, fast accurate throw, the ability to quickly handle the caught ball for a further throw. Since in most draws it is necessary to throw the ball to first base, facing the infield, almost all second base players are right-handed .
See also
- Baseball terminology