Baseball diamond veer to the left!Regardless of the level of competition, the most exciting play in any softball softball, variant of baseball played with a larger ball on a smaller field. Invented (1888) in Chicago as an indoor game, it was at various times called indoor baseball, mush ball, playground ball, kitten ball, and, because it was also played by women, ladies' or baseball game Noun 1. baseball game - a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs; "he played baseball in high school"; "there was a baseball game on every empty lot"; "there was a desire for National League is the ground ball and bang-bang play at first base. This is one of the most common scenarios in the game, yet reveals a serious deficiency in the art of base running. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] On the sprint to first, most coaches from the youth level up correctly teach their runners to "run through the bag." What hey fail to do, however, is instruct in·struct v. in·struct·ed, in·struct·ing, in·structs v.tr. 1. To provide with knowledge, especially in a methodical way. See Synonyms at teach. 2. To give orders to; direct. v. their players on the second most important part of the sprint: What to do after crossing the bag? This is of paramount importance, especially if the runner has beaten the throw, or the ball gets away from the first baseman. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Unfortunately, after crossing the bag, many base runners have a tendency to veer to the right into foul territory. This will place the runner at a distinct disadvantage. He should have done just the opposite--drifted to the left in fair territory and then turned to the left facing the diamond in returning. As long as he makes no attempt to advance to second, the umpire A person chosen to decide a question in a controversy that has been submitted to Arbitration but has not been resolved because the arbitrators cannot reach agreement, or one who has been chosen to be a permanent arbitrator for the duration of a collective bargaining agreement. will never call him out on an appealed tag. It is a tactic I highly recommend, one that should be practiced every day until it becomes automatic. Check the diagram to consider the position of the base-runner in relation to second base if he had veered to his right after passing first, and then consider his position had he drifted to his left. Obviously, the latter move places him much closer to second base on any opportunity for further advancement. If, for example, a subsequent throw to third gets away from the third baseman third baseman n. Baseball The infielder stationed near third base. Noun 1. third baseman - (baseball) the person who plays third base third sacker , it would be much easier for him to advance to second if he has drifted into fair territory after crossing first base. By turning to his left on returning to the base, he has also provided himself with another advantage: he will be facing the fair portion of the diamond and can observe all additional play in front of him. However, a 180-degree turn right when returning would momentarily mo·men·tar·i·ly adv. 1. For a moment or an instant. 2. Usage Problem In a moment; very soon. 3. Moment by moment; progressively. place his back to the play and cost him a split-second A Split-Second was a successful synth rock/new beat/EBM band from Belgium. The duo — Mark Ickx and Peter Bonne (under the artist name Chrismar Chayell) — were active from their debut in 1986 until they split up in 1991, when A Split-Second continued as a solo project. loss of vision. It is much easier, quicker, and more natural to advance to second while facing it, rather than attempting to advance after making a turn to the right. The rules do not prohibit pro·hib·it tr.v. pro·hib·it·ed, pro·hib·it·ing, pro·hib·its 1. To forbid by authority: Smoking is prohibited in most theaters. See Synonyms at forbid. 2. a player from drifting and then turning to the left in fair territory after passing first base, as long he makes no attempt to advance to second. All managers should install this base-running tactic and reinforce it in practice. It is often a matter of just a few feet or steps that spells the difference between victory and defeat. By Cal Cavalcante, Former Baseball Coach Warren Western Reserve H.S. Warren, OH |
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