Why you are in here. How to Get out
Solo Shots
It's bottom of the ninth with two out and we are behind by two runs and there are two runners on, with a "big hitter" like "downtown" at the plate. Unfortunately, we have already used up our home runs (we only get three over the fence home runs). Two of the home runs brought in multiple runs, to get the game close, however the third home run was a so-called "solo shot" (no one was on base complements of "hans solo" Devries). Now with a chance to win the game "downtown" has to keep the ball down so he drills a double to score two runs. Next batter up hits into a fielder's choice to end the game. The Fun Bunch lose - thanks a lot "hans solo" - you've just earned a one-way ticket to downtown's doghouse. The next game, with nobody out and nobody on, "hans solo" eyes a juicy lob ball coming his way. Having learned his lesson in the doghouse, he chokes up on the bad and hits down on the ball to smash a liner that rolls to the fence and gets him to second--saving a precious home run for when there is chance to score multiple runs. Now that is a real TEAM player.
Out at First
There was a player in major league baseball nicknamed "charlie hustle" for the way he always hustled down the line regardless of the chances of him making it safely to first. That player was Pete Rose and he never turned away and stopped running when he determined an out was imminent.What if the throw was offline? What if the first baseman dropped the ball? Pete Rose would never be in downtown's doghouse. How can you play more like "charlie hustle" and help your team win more games? That's easy - just follow's downtown's simple advice. 1) never stop running to first - ever - regardless of the circumstances. 2) if there is going to be a close play at first - then run right through the base. that's right - first base is the only base where this is allowed. You can't be picked off - it's not allowed (make sure you always turn towards the dugout not the field to come back to first however). 3) do not stop short of first base and put your hands over your head and cringe - it won't help you and it definitely doesn't help the team. If you are going to get hit by the ball you actually have a better chance of getting hit if you stop short of the base. Instead, dig in hard and run right through the base like a sprinter crossing the finish line in the 100 yard dash (how many do you see stop right at the line?) 4) stay alert. Just because you got to first doesn't mean your job is finished. Watch the play. If there is an overthrow - then run to second! The play is not over until the pitcher gets the ball.
Lazy Fielding
Outfielder's should always be involved in the play when a ball reaches the outfield--even if it isn't heading towards their field. Their job is to provide backup for their partner should they need help. The center fielder backs up his right and left fielder and vice versa. When a fielder sees his partner charging hard for a ball what should he do - a) get a good vantage point and cheer him on? b) enjoy the "down time" and have a good stretch? c) Wave to his family in the stands who came out to watch the game? d) bend down and tie that annoying shoelace that has been bothering him for most of the game? If you answered "none of the above" then you are right! When you see your partner charging hard to field a fly ball, what you should do is charge hard to back him/her up while keeping a watchful eye on the play unfolding in the infield. If your partner catches the ball, let them know if someone is tagging up and/or where to throw the ball. If they dive for the ball and miss it, be there johnny-on-the-spot to pick it up and get it into the infield keeping the runner to a single instead of a double or a triple.
Getting Picked Off - overrunning the base
There are many ways to get picked off base but all of them are avoidable and each will earn you a one-way ticket to the doghouse. The most common is simply careless base running. If you overrun first base you can't be tagged out (unless you start heading to second of course). But first base is the only base where you can get away with that transgression. For every other base the rule is clear and punitive. If you are not standing with your foot on the base you can be tagged with the ball and be called out. In doing so you have handed the other team a "bonus out" on a silver platter. So the rule of thumb is run as hard as you can to the next base and be aware of where the ball is. If there will be a play at that base, then your job is to beat out the throw and then "stick to the bag like glue" -- cleats are indispensable in this situation (as paolo can attest). Your hard work is all for naught if you beat the throw to the bag and then overrun and stand off the base or cringe and stop dead in your tracks before touching the bag. You are now a "dead duck" and have to make the long walk of shame back to the dugout. Make sure when you are running the bases you do your best to beat the throw to the bag and then keep your foot firmly attached.