How to be a good first baseman - Quiz
  • 1. What is the primary responsibility of a first baseman?
A) Calling out plays in the outfield
B) Covering second base
C) Pitching to the batter
D) Catching throws to first base
  • 2. What is the correct footwork for receiving a throw at first base?
A) Running away from the throw
B) Target step towards the throw
C) Standing still
D) Backpedaling
  • 3. What is the proper way to stretch for a throw?
A) Stretch with the throwing arm
B) Bend at the waist
C) Lead with the glove foot and reach
D) Keep both feet planted
  • 4. How should you handle a bad throw to first base?
A) Try to knock it down and recover
B) Duck and avoid the ball
C) Assume it's uncatchable
D) Yell at the thrower
  • 5. What is a common defensive play the first baseman initiates?
A) Stealing bases
B) Holding runners on base
C) Umpiring the game
D) Calling pitches
  • 6. Where do you typically position yourself when a right-handed hitter is at bat?
A) Directly on the first base bag
B) Towards second base
C) Behind the pitcher's mound
D) Slightly closer to the foul line
  • 7. What should you do after catching a foul ball near first base?
A) Throw the ball into the stands
B) Tag first base for the out
C) Hand the ball to the batter
D) Run to second base
  • 8. What is the importance of knowing the count?
A) Anticipating the next play and potential steals
B) It's irrelevant to the first baseman's play
C) To know when to go to the bathroom
D) Only important for the pitcher
  • 9. What is the 'short hop' and how should a first baseman handle it?
A) Ball bounces right before reaching the glove; pick it cleanly
B) A very high pitch; let it go
C) A runner sliding into first; avoid it
D) A fake throw; ignore it
  • 10. What is the appropriate way to apply a tag to a runner?
A) Slap the runner with the bare hand
B) Point the glove at the runner
C) Apply the glove firmly while securing the ball
D) Just touch the runner with the glove
  • 11. When should you come off the base to field a ground ball?
A) Never come off the base
B) Only if the pitcher tells you to
C) Every time the ball is hit
D) When the ground ball is hit directly to you
  • 12. What is the communication strategy with the pitcher?
A) Never talk to the pitcher
B) Complain about the pitching
C) Coordinate pick-off plays and communicate runner tendencies
D) Tell jokes
  • 13. What is your responsibility on a bunt play?
A) Charge the bunt and field it cleanly
B) Hide
C) Stay at first base
D) Run to third base
  • 14. What should you do if you see a runner rounding second base aggressively?
A) Cheer them on
B) Run after them
C) Be ready for a throw to first for a potential out.
D) Ignore them
  • 15. How do you minimize errors at first base?
A) Focus, practice consistently, and maintain good footwork
B) Wear lucky socks
C) Avoid practicing
D) Blame the pitcher
  • 16. What is the backup responsibility of the first baseman?
A) Covering second base.
B) Backing up the third baseman.
C) Backing up the catcher.
D) Covering first on throws from the outfield.
  • 17. Which glove is best for a first baseman?
A) A small infielders glove.
B) No glove at all
C) An outfielder's glove.
D) A larger, specialized first baseman's mitt.
  • 18. What is the proper technique to secure the ball when taking a throw?
A) Use two hands whenever possible
B) Use only one hand
C) Catch it with your chest
D) Kick the ball
  • 19. What is the main disadvantage of playing first base?
A) It's not a very physical position
B) You rarely get to steal bases
C) You have to run a lot
D) It's the most exciting position
  • 20. What does 'holding a runner close' mean?
A) Preventing a runner from taking a large lead off first base
B) Letting the runner steal at will
C) Ignoring the runner
D) Giving the runner a hug
  • 21. What mental skill is vital for a first baseman?
A) Singing loudly
B) Focus and concentration
C) Juggling
D) Telepathy
  • 22. What is a common mistake first basemen make?
A) Wearing sunglasses at night
B) Being too friendly to the opposing team
C) Yelling at the umpire
D) Taking their eye off the ball during the catch
  • 23. What is the responsibility of the first baseman on a passed ball?
A) Chase after the passed ball.
B) Run to home plate.
C) Go to the dugout.
D) Cover first base to receive a throw for a possible out.
  • 24. What is the purpose of a pickoff attempt to first base?
A) To start a fight
B) To confuse the runner
C) To catch a runner leading too far off the base
D) To give the runner a head start
  • 25. What should a first baseman do when the pitcher is fielding a ground ball near the first base line?
A) Field the ball for the pitcher
B) Watch the game
C) Run to the dugout
D) Cover first base
  • 26. When should you yell 'time'?
A) When you're tired of playing.
B) When you need to adjust your equipment during a break in play.
C) When you disagree with an umpire's call.
D) When you want to start an argument.
  • 27. What's the best way to handle a slow roller hit near the first base line?
A) Stay on the base and wait for the ball.
B) Let the pitcher field it.
C) Charge aggressively and make a quick throw to the pitcher covering first.
D) Hope someone else gets it.
  • 28. What is important about knowing the opposing team's hitters?
A) It's not important.
B) Knowing their tendencies (pull hitter, opposite field hitter) helps with positioning
C) So you can talk to them
D) So you can date them
  • 29. Why is communication with the other infielders important?
A) So you can tell jokes.
B) It's not important, everyone should just do what they want.
C) To coordinate who covers which base on various plays.
D) To argue about who is better.
  • 30. Why is physical fitness important for a first baseman?
A) So you can run faster to the snack bar.
B) Allows for quicker reactions, better agility, and injury prevention.
C) It's not, you just stand at first base.
D) So you look good in your uniform.
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