What is Second Base?
Second base is a fielding position in the game of baseball, located between first base and third base. It is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run.
In Major League Baseball (MLB), the second baseman is generally the middle infielder in the infield, between the first baseman and third baseman. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the second baseman is assigned the number 4.
Types of Second Basemen
In the Major League, there are two basic types of second baseman:
- Speedsters – These second basemen are usually smaller and quicker, and they specialize in stealing bases and getting on base. They typically have good speed, agility and range, and they often use their speed to get to balls hit in the gap.
- Power Hitters – These second basemen are typically larger and have greater power, and they specialize in hitting extra-base hits and driving in runs. They usually have better strength and power, and they often use these skills to hit the ball hard and deep.
Skills Needed to Play Second Base
Playing second base requires a variety of skills, both physical and mental. The player must have a good sense of positioning and be able to read the ball quickly and accurately. He must also have the ability to make quick and accurate throws to first base.
Physical Skills
The physical skills needed to play second base include:
- Quickness – The second baseman must be able to move quickly and react quickly to the ball once it’s hit.
- Agility – The second baseman must be able to move his feet quickly and make quick changes in direction when the ball is hit.
- Quick Hands – The second baseman must be able to quickly and accurately field ground balls hit to him.
- Strong Throwing Arm – The second baseman must be able to make quick and accurate throws to first base.
Mental Skills
The mental skills needed to play second base include:
- Awareness – The second baseman must be aware of the entire field and be able to quickly assess the situation and make the correct play.
- Good Judgment – The second baseman must be able to make quick decisions on the field and know when to take risks and when to be conservative.
- Leadership – The second baseman must be a leader in the infield and be able to set the tone for the defense.
Who Covers Second Base?
The player who covers second base is typically the second baseman. The second baseman is generally the middle infielder in the infield, between the first baseman and third baseman. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the second baseman is assigned the number 4.
Second Base in the Minor Leagues
In the Minor Leagues, the second baseman is usually the same player as the shortstop, as teams typically do not have the luxury of carrying two separate players for the two positions. The second baseman is usually the player who is the better fielder of the two.
Second Base in the National League
In the National League (NL), the second baseman is usually the same player as the shortstop, as teams typically do not have the luxury of carrying two separate players for the two positions. The second baseman is usually the player who is the better fielder of the two.
Second Base in the American League
In the American League (AL), the second baseman is typically a different player than the shortstop, as teams in the AL often have the luxury of carrying two separate players for the two positions. The second baseman is usually the player who is the better fielder of the two and has the better range.
When Does the Second Baseman Cover Second Base?
The second baseman typically covers second base on most plays that involve the ground ball and on some plays that involve the fly ball. He will move to the right side of second base when a ground ball is hit to the right side of the infield, and he will move to the left side of second base when a ground ball is hit to the left side of the infield.
On some fly ball plays, the second baseman will also cover second base. This usually happens when the fly ball is hit to the right side of the infield, and the second baseman will move to the right side of second base to make the catch.
Conclusion
Second base is an important position in the game of baseball. It is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run. The player who covers second base is typically the second baseman, who must possess both physical and mental skills to be successful. The second baseman typically covers second base on most plays that involve the ground ball and on some plays that involve the fly ball.