Role Of A First Baseman In Baseball

Some of the best baseball players were first basemen. Let’s take a look at what it takes to be a great First baseman!

Historical Evolution

The role of the first baseman has evolved significantly since the early days of baseball. In the 19th century, first basemen primarily played close to the base, focusing on receiving throws. However, as the game evolved, the role expanded. In the mid-20th century, the position became more dynamic, with first basemen playing a more significant role in the team’s offense.

Defensive Responsibilities

Fielding Skills

The primary duty of a first baseman is to field ground balls and catch throws from other infielders. They must have excellent hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and footwork. A good first baseman can significantly reduce infield errors and improve a team’s overall defense.

Stretch and Scoop

A unique skill for first basemen is the ability to “stretch” or “scoop.” Stretching involves extending the body towards a throw to shorten the distance the ball travels, while scooping refers to the ability to pick low or errant throws out of the dirt, which is crucial in saving errors and maintaining the flow of the game.

Holding Runners

First basemen also play a key role in keeping base runners close to the bag. Their positioning and ability to quickly receive and apply tags can deter runners from taking extra bases.

Offensive Role

Power Hitting

Traditionally, first basemen are expected to be power hitters, contributing significantly to a team’s run production. Their ability to hit home runs and drive in runs is often a critical component of a team’s offensive strategy.

Batting Skills

Beyond power, a successful first baseman combines a high batting average with good plate discipline. They often serve as a cornerstone in the batting order, providing consistency and run-producing ability. Typically batting 3rd or 4th in the lineup.

10 Best First Basemen Of All Time

Lou Gehrig

Nicknamed “The Iron Horse,” Gehrig is one of the most revered players in MLB history. His impressive career with the New York Yankees included six World Series titles, two MVP awards, and the then-record for consecutive games played. His career .340 batting average and 493 home runs speak to his prowess at the plate.

Jimmie Foxx

A powerful hitter, Foxx was one of the greatest sluggers in the early 20th century. He accumulated 534 home runs, won three MVP awards, and had a career batting average of .325, making him a standout first baseman and a key figure in baseball history.

Albert Pujols

Known for his remarkable consistency and power, Pujols has been a dominant force in the 21st century. With multiple MVP awards, All-Star appearances, and a career batting average well over .300, Pujols has secured his place as one of the greatest first basemen.

Hank Greenberg

Greenberg’s career was notably impacted by his military service during World War II, yet he still managed to hit 331 home runs and maintain a .313 batting average. He was a two-time MVP and is remembered as one of the premier power hitters of his era.

Willie McCovey

McCovey was one of the most feared power hitters of his time, amassing 521 home runs and earning the MVP award in 1969. His ability to hit for both power and average made him a formidable presence at the plate.

Frank Thomas

Known as “The Big Hurt,” Thomas was one of the most feared hitters in baseball during the 1990s. His combination of power and plate discipline earned him two MVP awards and a .301 career batting average, along with 521 home runs.

Stan Musial

Although Musial played multiple positions, his time at first base was significant. With a .331 career batting average, 475 home runs, and three MVP awards, Musial was a model of consistency and excellence in his long career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Harmon Killebrew

Killebrew was known for his incredible power, hitting 573 home runs over his career. He led the American League in home runs six times and was an MVP in 1969.

Miguel Cabrera

Cabrera, a modern-era player, is known for his exceptional hitting skills. He has won multiple MVP awards and achieved the rare Triple Crown in 2012, leading the league in batting average, home runs, and RBIs.

Keith Hernandez

While Hernandez may not have the power numbers of some others on this list, his defensive skills at first base were unmatched, earning him 11 consecutive Gold Glove awards. He also contributed significantly with his bat, winning a batting title and being a key player for two World Series-winning teams.

What is a 1st Baseman Called?

A first baseman in baseball is commonly referred to simply as the “first baseman.” In terms of abbreviations and scoring notation in baseball, the first baseman is often denoted as “1B.”

And in terms of the baseball position number, it is “3”.

1st Baseman Slang

• “Cornerman” or “Corner Infielder”: These terms are sometimes used because the first baseman plays at one of the corners of the infield (the other corner being third base).
• “Stretch”: This is a more playful term derived from the first baseman’s frequent need to stretch towards throws to secure outs.
• “Scoop Artist”: These terms come from the first baseman’s skill at ‘scooping’ or ‘digging out’ low or errant throws from the dirt.
• “Pick Man”: Similar to “Scoop Artist,” this reflects the first baseman’s ability to pick throws out of the dirt.

What Gloves Do 1st Basemen Use?

1st basemen in baseball use a specialized type of glove known as a “first baseman’s mitt.” This mitt differs from the gloves used by other infielders in several ways:

• Size: First baseman mitts are larger than regular fielding gloves. This larger size helps first basemen field ground balls and catch throws from other infielders more effectively.
• Shape: The mitt has a rounded, elongated shape to provide a larger surface area and deeper pocket. This design aids in scooping up low throws and securing catches without the ball bouncing out.
• Padding: First baseman mitts have more padding than standard gloves. This extra padding helps absorb the impact of hard-thrown balls, which is especially useful for picking throws out of the dirt.
• No Individual Fingers: Unlike regular gloves, most first baseman mitts do not have individual fingers. They typically have a single pocket design which helps in trapping the ball more securely.
• Flexibility: These mitts are designed to be flexible to allow for quick movements and adjustments during plays.
• Double Bar Web Design: Many first baseman gloves feature a double bar web design. This provides strength and support, helping to secure catches while also allowing for visibility when catching high throws.