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