Coach’s Corner

Dear Coach Walter,

First off, I’d like to say how much I admire and respect you as a coach. I am an inmate at USP Leavenworth and catch as many Prohibition Pirates of the Parkway games as I can on ham radio. I think your team has what it takes to go deep into the playoffs this season. I am anxiously waiting for July 20, 2009, which is the day I am eligible for parole. The first thing I plan to do is cross state lines to see a PPoP game with my own two eyes. I can’t wait to see Dan Bertrand in his hot baseball pants. The radio doesn’t do it justice I’m sure.

My question to you is this: How do you best defend against a steal of second while there’s a runner on third?

Sincerely,
Michael
Inmate 33765-183

Great Question Michael. First, that’s what she said.

There are a number of defenses against the first and third situation. I will talk you through three situations here. The catcher must first and foremost communicate clearly with the infield so that everyone is on the same page. The catcher usually uses hand signals to communicate the strategy with the rest of the team. 

The most straightforward play is to have the catcher throw straight through to second base. However, as the catcher is coming up to make the throw, he should take a quick glace at third to make sure that baserunner is not too far off the base. If he sees the runner is too far from third, he should hold the ball and either snap off a throw to third or run him back to the bag.

The second option is to come up and snap the throw to third without even looking at second. Both middle infielders should perform as though the throw is going to second.

The third is the “cut play.” Everyone should execute the same way they would for a straight throw through, except the second basemen (if the batter is righty) will cutoff the throw between the second-base bag and the pitcher’s mound. Ideally, when the runner on third sees the ball leave the catcher’s hand, he’ll break for home and when the ball is cut, the second basemen can make an accurate throw to get him at the plate. There are other modifications, but these are the three main options when defending against the steal of second with a runner on third.

Thanks for the question and keep them coming!
Coach Walter

Ask the Coach Mailbag, strategy

Dear Coach Walter,

As a young albino midget, I’ve always been interested in joining the Prohibition Pirates of the Parkway. When I read in the Boston Globe that you were recruiting for ball boys, I was more than ecstatic to think that my lifelong dream might soon become a reality. I can’t compete with Carl Lewis in a race, but I’m diligent in my pursuit of balls, even if I need to crawl through a little poison oak to get the job done. I hope I can bring the Pirates some luck along the way too.

My question to you is this: Why are there no left handed throwing second basemen  shortstops, or third basemen?

Thank you,
David “Stretch” McMullen

Hey Stretch,

Great question. Basically it comes down to what works best with the layout of a baseball field. If the bases were run clockwise, rather than counter-clockwise, the infielders would probably need to be left-handed. In today’s game, when a ball is hit directly at a position player, they must field, pivot and throw to first to record an out. If a lefty were faced with the same standard play, they would have to field and turn their body 180 degrees to make a throw to first. More importantly, when you take into account balls going to the left and right of the fielder, it makes it even more difficult to be left-handed. Even on standard plays, which aren’t that common in the ECABL, things can go wrong. Basically, the fewer steps involved, the better.

I hope this helps you out and good luck with your tryout!

Take ‘em deep,
Coach Walter

Ask the Coach Mailbag, strategy