Tap The Glove, Delay The Throw?
Perhaps there’s a good reason for a fielder to hesitate to throw to first base with a runner sprinting up the line. Why not tap the glove once or twice to show your coolness…show your power! Maybe the fielder likes the drama of a possible replay challenge. But tapping the glove is awfully risky when trying to get out a base runner. If I coached little leaguers I would caution-no, ban them from doing so!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GQ63fwvOs5Q
Pitchers Can Throw Strikes To The Plate But Not To Any Base?
Whenever possible infielders go to great lengths to make sure pitchers don’t field batted balls. I assumed it was because they don’t want the pitcher to get hurt sliding for a bloop 15 feet from the mound and getting hurt. Yet, it’s clear there is another reason. Pitchers often have difficulty throwing accurately to the bases after fielding a ball. They also seem to have the “yips” when making pick off moves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DRAZIACaL8
What’s interesting is that for guys who depend on accuracy to home plate they can’t throw anywhere else on the money!
Take A Walk On The Wide Side
I ‘ve spoken to track runners who do the mile and higher distances. They say if a runner spends too much time on the outside lanes he’s adding significant distance to his race. It will cost him if it’s a close race at the finish. So why do MLB baserunners take a turn so wide around third base when charging for home? It makes me wonder how “close” plays at the plate could have been stand up runs had they done this technique, courtesy of youth league players and coaches.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JhJvMCsf2Ow
First Things First
Are there any studies to show that sliding into first base is more effective than running flat out to beat a throw? I don’t know of any. So why do MLB players sometimes do it? Unless you see the first baseman pulled off the bag and you must avoid his tag, keep running.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxiroicOHTU
Do you see any oddities of baseball you want to share? If so, please post them in the comments below.