NEW APPROACHES TO THE SLOW-ROLLER AT THIRD BASE

PART II – TO THE THIRD BASEMAN'S LEFT

The third baseman must field this ball on the infield grass near the back of the pitcher's mound. The ball brings the third baseman in and to his left. The ball is usually fielded on the third base side of the pitcher's mound toward the back of the mound.

If the third baseman gets to the ball quickly and has his body under control, a conventional throw to first base should be made for the put out. Whenever possible, this is the technique of choice! However, a large number of slow-rollers to the third baseman's left must be fielded one-handed and on the run in the area on the grass between the third baseman and the pitcher's mound.

Running full speed toward first base, the third baseman will often have a difficult time getting his weight under control and his body into throwing position. Because of the difficulty of opening up the left side of his body, the third baseman is forced to throw across his body using a side arm or submarine type of throw. The danger with this type of throw is that it often generates enormous ball movement. When this happens, the ball will tail away from the first baseman pulling him off the base, into the baseline and into the runner.

1. Bobo's Method:

Bobo Brayton, former Washington State University baseball coach, taught his third basemen (and me) a technique to deal with this particular play:

1. The third baseman charges the ball and fields it one-handed on the run.
2. With his momentum going toward first base, the third baseman continues running toward first base with his chest open to first base… He is not in conventional throwing position!
3. The third baseman throws the ball overhand while running toward first base.
4. The body and legs will become synchronized almost automatically.
5. A fluid delivery of the ball results.
6. Overhand throws will fool the first baseman only on one plain, vertically. This increases the first baseman's chances of making the catch.
7. Submarine throws with their ball movement and "tailing" tend to fool the first baseman on two plains vertically and horizontally, decreasing his chances of making the catch.

 

2. Drills:
1. Purpose: To teach the third baseman the "Salty Parker Method" of fielding the slow-roller.
2. Procedure
1. First baseman at first base.
2. Place three baseballs on the ground halfway between home plate and third base and halfway between the third base foul line an the pitcher's mound.
3. Baseballs should be approximately three feet apart to avoid stepping on them while executing the drill.
4. Line all third baseman one behind the other even with third base.
5. The baseballs should be fielded in order starting with the baseball closest to the pitcher's mound and working toward the third base foul line.
6. Third baseman fields the ball (Salty Parker Method) and throws to first base.
7. Coach makes appropriate suggestion and/or corrections.

 

3. Variation/Progression:
1. Purpose: To teach the third baseman the "Salty Parker Method" of fielding the slow-roller.
2. Procedure: Coach should roll or fungoe the ball to the third baseman.
1. First baseman at first base.
2. Line all third basemen one behind the other at third base in their normal position.
3. Coach rolls or fungoes a slow-roller to the third baseman.
4. The third baseman fields the ball using Salty Parker's Method and throws to first base.
5. Coach makes appropriate suggestions and/or corrections.
3. Drills should be practiced regularly until they are mastered.

 

4. Bobo's Method:
1. Purpose: To teach the "Bobo Method" of fielding the slow-roller hit to the third baseman's left.
2. Procedure:
1. First baseman at first base.
2. Line all third basemen one behind the other at third base in their normal position.
3. Coach fungoes slow-rollers to third baseman's left and in on the grass.
4. Third baseman fields the ball using Bobo's Method and throws to first base.
5. Coach makes appropriate suggestions and/or corrections.

 

5. Conclusion:

"The young third baseman should employ the two-hand technique whenever possible and resort to the one-hander only in 'do or die' situations."

Good Luck!