Who backs up first on a ground ball to second?

Anonymous asked: Who backs up first on a ground ball to second? Question about fielding.

Rick answered: Thank you for your question.

With no runners on, or a runner at first base, the catcher has the backup responsibilities for all ground balls in the infield.

When the ball is hit, the catcher runs at an angle that heads them towards the fence behind first base, the angle varies based on where the throw is coming from.

On ground balls hit to third base or shortstop, the right fielder will also be headed that direction, if there is no runner on first. If there is a runner on first, and the possibility of a throw to second base, the right fielder backs up that possible throw.

Yours in baseball,

Rick

Comments for Who backs up first on a ground ball to second?

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Sep 15, 2014
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Backing Up First Base
by: Rick, theoleballgame

With no runners on, you can have your second baseman head that way to back up a throw from third base. It won't hurt anything for him to be there.

The catcher still has the main responsibility, as balls thrown in the dirt often come to the inside of the bag, not past it.

Right fielder also, as an air mailed throw can come off a fence and head up the right field line. All depends on the field layout and the trajectory of the throw.

With no one on base, it certainly won't hurt to have your 2b headed that way also.

Yours in baseball,

Rick

Sep 06, 2014
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I disagree 100%
by: Anonymous

I disagree. Ground ball to third with no one on base the second baseman should back up first!!!!!!

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