The position of the second
baseman
Second base, or
2B, 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
for that player's team. A
second baseman is the
baseball player guarding second base. Also
called
second bagger, the second baseman often possesses
quick hands and feet, needs the ability to get rid of the ball
quickly, and must be able to make the pivot on a
double play. In addition, shortstops and second
basemen are usually right-handed as this is preferential for
turning a double play. Second base is also known as the
keystone sack. In the numbering system used to record
defensive plays, the second baseman is assigned the number 4.
Second basemen must be quick on their feet to hold the runner on
base, back up the
shortstop on all throws
from the
catcher, cover
first base on
bunted balls, and to field the position to
either side. Good second basemen need to have very good range,
since they have to field balls closer to the first baseman who is
often holding runners on, or moving towards the base to cover. Good
range is also helpful since many balls are hit to this position. On
a batted ball to
right field, the
second baseman goes out towards the ball for the relay. Due to
these requirements, second base is sometimes a primarily defensive
position in the modern game, but there are hitting stars, too, such
as
Craig Biggio,
Brian Roberts,
Chase
Utley,
Ian Kinsler,
Dustin Pedroia,
Dan
Uggla and
Robinson Cano.
For baserunners, second is the easiest base to
steal, because the catcher must throw a farther
distance.
- Note: Year of induction included in parentheses.
* Later played at first base
** Started his career at 1B, then moved to 2B
References
second basemen
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