I’d like to stray away from stats and talk about the different areas of fielding. One in particular that I want to focus on this week (since it is so near and dear to my heart) is first base.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Ok, no one cares about first base. That’s literally the easiest spot to play in the field.” First off, how dare you. Second, playing first base is a VITAL aspect of the game, and having a good first baseman on your team is crucial to your team’s success.
In little league, the most popular place to play is first base because usually, the first baseman gets the ball the most besides the pitcher (challenging position to play) and catcher (even harder). I would know this because I played first base for the majority of my softball career. I was a pitcher and a first baseman, and playing both of those positions helped me understand the game in entirely different ways.
With pitching, I had to be in tune with each pitch that was being thrown. My only focus at the moment was to execute each pitch that I had to throw. With first base (and any defensive position in the game), I was also focused on each pitch, but not with the same intensity. I didn’t have to worry so much about executing a pitch; I just had to worry about what came after.
Being a good first baseman requires many moving parts…literally. First and foremost, you have to be able to catch a ball. I know that sounds silly, but that is literally the first baseman’s job - receive the throw from the fielder to end the play. The throw isn’t always going to be coming directly to you, either. Sometimes the throw can be wild, and the first baseman will have to judge whether he should get off the base to catch it or not. Other times, plays will be super close, and the first baseman will have to stretch to get the ball before the runner touches the base. SOMETIMES the throw will be wild, AND the play will be close!!! So then the first baseman will have to stretch AND get the ball!!!!! It’s stressful, and it all happens so fast!!! If you cannot confidently catch a ball, first base is not the place for you.
Not only do you have to catch a throw from another fielder cleanly, but you also have to make sure your foot is on the bag while doing so, which requires not just muscle memory but a quick reaction to and judgment of where the ball was hit.
And don’t even get me started about fielding bunts. I’m avoiding that topic entirely.
First basemen typically use a different type of glove than the other fielders. This glove, appropriately named the first baseman’s glove, almost resembles a catcher’s mitt in that it is bigger than traditional gloves. It also is notably more solid than regular gloves to make scooping wild throws easier for the first baseman. The surface area of the glove also makes it an easy target for infielders to throw.
This video will show the importance of using this type of glove while catching what is known as a “pick” or a throw that comes in with a short hop.
Notable First Basemen
There is a substantial amount of first basemen who have graced the game both past and present. Here are a FEW:
Lou Gehrig (although not so great defensively, is regarded to be the best first baseman of all time)
Albert Pujols
Jimmie Foxx
Miguel Cabrera
Johnny Mize
Joey Votto
Paul Goldschmidt
Hank Greenberg
Gil Hodges
Freddie Freeman
Carlos Delgado
Willie McCovey
Keith Hernandez
Mark Teixeira
Don Mattingly
David Ortiz
Mark McGuire
And the list goes on and on and on…
There are currently 26 first basemen in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
When asked if I enjoyed playing first base or pitching more, I never really had an answer because I enjoyed both so much. Pitching and first base are two entirely different places to play in the game. I will say that playing first base was much more…relaxing for me than pitching was. With pitching, I was in control of the ball until it came out of my hand, always beginning the play. With first base, I could only control how the play ended. First base gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation for fielding. I understood the footwork it takes to field a ground ball, as well as how to properly tag a runner, field a base, receive a throw, etc. I also absolutely loved when my teammates would make outstanding plays in the field and then throw to first to get the out. I knew the importance of executing that out so my teammates’ work wouldn’t go to waste.
So next time someone discredits first base, remind them that the first baseman is the savior of the infield.
Until next time, I’ll catch u later :)
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I started watching baseball because of Carlos Delgado, and he was the reason I became a Mets fan. Once he joined, I was a fan for life. He was so much fun to watch. Being from Syracuse, it was cool to see him up on the Wall of Fame at the new stadium when the Mets took over. When Pete came up and had the success he did, I was so happy because it felt like I was 8 again back in ‘06 watching a first baseman mash for the Mets again!