What should a baseball catcher remember when backing up first base? A catcher sometimes backs up the first baseman. There are several ways a baseball team can be successful. Of course, the first and most...
There are several ways a baseball team can be successful. Of course, the first and most obvious way is by practicing whatever drills they need to keep their skill level up and errors down.
But another way that a baseball team can be successful is by playing like a team and backing up all plays. Sure, there are instances where outfielders are supposed to back up the infielders, and outfielders are supposed to back each other up, but what about the catcher? Is there ever an opportunity where he can be the last line of defense outside of just behind the plate? You better believe there is.
But another way that a baseball team can be successful is by playing like a team and backing up all plays. Sure, there are instances where outfielders are supposed to back up the infielders, and outfielders are supposed to back each other up, but what about the catcher? Is there ever an opportunity where he can be the last line of defense outside of just behind the plate? You better believe there is.
One base that you will commonly see catchers backing up is first base. And for a catcher to successfully back up first base, just as in most other baseball scenarios, he must first know the situation and what it requires.
Kevin McMullan played in the New York Yankees organization before becoming a coach in the Atlanta Braves organization. Currently, he is an assistant coach for the University of Virginia baseball team where he deals directly with the catchers among other areas.
McMullan said that for a catcher to be in the right position when backing up first base, he must be aware of the ball's flight and the possible areas the baseball will end up in.
"Basically just know where the ball is coming from and make sure you are at an angle," he said. "So, if the ball does get away, you're in a position to catch it or at least block it to keep it in play. This helps keep down false hustles so to speak."
A "false hustle", as McMullan put it, can happen when a catcher is hustling down the first base line to back up a throw, but doesn't run to the appropriate area.
But, before a catcher can decide where to run, he must first determine when it is and when it isn't necessary to back up a play at first base. The first instance where the catcher would not back up first base is when there is a runner on base.
In some cases, if there is one runner on first base, the catcher may go down the line a little. But most catchers and coaches would say that it's best not to leave the plate for any amount of distance when there are runners on base.
An example is when there is a runner on second base and the ball is hit to the third baseman. In this situation you never know when the runner may decide to run home, so instead of attempting to have someone else hustle to the plate, it's best just to let the catcher stay.
Also whenever possible, you want your catcher to be at the plate because he wears more protective gear than anyone else on the field.
The next tip the catcher should know when backing up first base is how the baseball park is designed. Is there a wall that will make the ball kick back out? How much room is there in foul territory?
"Wherever the ball is hit, he has to be at an angle to protect the ball from going into a dugout," McMullan said. "If the ball is hit to the left side second baseman, he should go on over so he can be at a shorter angle."
