How to Play Second Base

Video Transcript

"Let's take a look at what the second baseman has to do. Now the second baseman splits the right side of the field with the first baseman. He has a primary responsibility of fielding the ball that's hit to the right side on the infield. The first baseman will have a limited range, but for the most part, anything on the right side of the infield should be the pursuit of the second baseman. The second baseman also has to cover second base at times when the ball is hit to the left side of the infield. Again, our orientation is from the batter's perspective at all times. So as the second baseman prepares for a hit, say it's hit to the right side of the field, he'll make a play...making a throw to first base for an out. If the ball's hit to the third base side, and there's a runner on first, then the second baseman has a different responsibility. The ball's hit, he has to come around, cover second base, and hopefully turn two. Turning two is a double play so he'll have to catch the ball, getting this runner who's trying to advance from first to second out, turn, make a throw to first base before the runner who just hit the ball makes it to the bag, recording the second out. Also, if the ball's hit to the outfield, often times the second baseman has to run out about midfield and cut the play off. He can turn, he can make the throw to second, third, or home, or he can just run the ball back in, asking the umpire for time and resetting the ball. So those pretty much cover the second baseman's responsibilities."