A good first baseman is a smart first baseman. First baseman tips for keeping ground balls in the infield.
Doug Bernier plays 1st base for the New York Yankees, 2012 opening weekend for Miami Marlins
Keep the ball in front of you.
Balls are hit awkwardly, sharp and everywhere in between. On tough hops do whatever you need to do to keep the ball in the infield, use your chest, shoulder, or any part of your body to keep it near you.
Take your time.
1st base is a position where you have a lot of time to make the play. This is because your throw is so short. You don’t have to field every ball with your glove.
If the play is at 1st base, make sure you secure the ball before you throw it to the bag. This seems pretty basic, and it is, you just don’t want to take anything for granted.
Keeping runners off base keeps runs off the board, and ultimately helps to win the game.
Understand when to be aggressive and when to play smart and keep the ball in the infield.
