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