Second baseman
From Free net encyclopedia
- Second base redirects here. For other uses, see Second base (disambiguation).
Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base. Also called 2B, or second bagger, the second baseman often possesses quick hands and feet, needs the ability to get rid of the ball quickly, and must be able to make the pivot on a double play. Second base is also known as the keystone sack. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the second baseman is assigned the number 4.
Second basemen must be quick on their feet to hold the runner on base, back up the shortstop on all throws from the catcher, cover first base on bunted balls, and to field the position to either side. In fact, second basemen are required to have the greatest range of any infielder, since they have to field balls closer to the first baseman who is often holding runners on, or moving towards the base to cover. On a batted ball to right field, the second baseman goes out towards the ball for the relay.
List of popular players at second base
Image:Baseball second baseman 2004.jpg
- Roberto Alomar
- Beto Avila
- Craig Biggio (began his career as a catcher)
- Robinson Cano
- Rod Carew (later played first base)
- Eddie Collins
- Johnny Evers
- Nellie Fox
- Frankie Frisch
- Charlie Gehringer
- Rogers Hornsby
- Jeff Kent
- Nap Lajoie
- Bobby Lowe (1890s star and the first player to hit 4 HR in a game)
- Bill Mazeroski
- Gil McDougald (also played SS and 3B))
- Chase Utley
- Joe Morgan
- Bobby Richardson
- Jackie Robinson (began his career at 3B)
- Ryne Sandberg
- Alfonso Soriano( Now plays left field)
- Johnny Temple
- Manny Trillo
- José Vidro
- Lou Whitaker
- Frank White
- Fernando Viña
- Orlando Hudson
- Ryan Travers-top prospect
Baseball positions | |||
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Outfielders: | Image:80px-Baseball fielding positions tiny.png | Left field | Center field | Right field | |
Infielders: | 3rd base | Shortstop | 2nd base | 1st base | ||
Designated hitter |