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How to be a good first baseman
Contributed by: Frost
  • 1. What is the primary responsibility of a first baseman?
A) Calling out plays in the outfield
B) Catching throws to first base
C) Covering second base
D) Pitching to the batter
  • 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) Lead with the glove foot and reach
B) Bend at the waist
C) Stretch with the throwing arm
D) Keep both feet planted
  • 4. How should you handle a bad throw to first base?
A) Assume it's uncatchable
B) Try to knock it down and recover
C) Yell at the thrower
D) Duck and avoid the ball
  • 5. What is a common defensive play the first baseman initiates?
A) Stealing bases
B) Holding runners on base
C) Calling pitches
D) Umpiring the game
  • 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) Throw the ball into the stands
B) Tag first base for the out
C) Run to second base
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) Only important for the pitcher
D) To know when to go to the bathroom
  • 9. What is the 'short hop' and how should a first baseman handle it?
A) A very high pitch; let it go
B) A fake throw; ignore it
C) A runner sliding into first; avoid it
D) Ball bounces right before reaching the glove; pick it cleanly
  • 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) Every time the ball is hit
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) Coordinate pick-off plays and communicate runner tendencies
B) Never talk to the pitcher
C) Tell jokes
D) Complain about the pitching
  • 13. What is your responsibility on a bunt play?
A) Stay at first base
B) Hide
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) 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) Blame the pitcher
B) Avoid practicing
C) Wear lucky socks
D) Focus, practice consistently, and maintain good footwork
  • 16. What is the backup responsibility of the first baseman?
A) Backing up the third baseman.
B) Covering second base.
C) Backing up the catcher.
D) Covering first on throws from the outfield.
  • 17. Which glove is best for a first baseman?
A) An outfielder's glove.
B) A small infielders glove.
C) A larger, specialized first baseman's mitt.
D) No glove at all
  • 18. What is the proper technique to secure the ball when taking a throw?
A) Use only one hand
B) Kick the ball
C) Catch it with your chest
D) Use two hands whenever possible
  • 19. What is the main disadvantage of playing first base?
A) You rarely get to steal bases
B) It's the most exciting position
C) You have to run a lot
D) It's not a very physical position
  • 20. What does 'holding a runner close' mean?
A) Ignoring the runner
B) Preventing a runner from taking a large lead off first base
C) Letting the runner steal at will
D) Giving the runner a hug
  • 21. What mental skill is vital for a first baseman?
A) Telepathy
B) Singing loudly
C) Juggling
D) Focus and concentration
  • 22. What is a common mistake first basemen make?
A) Wearing sunglasses at night
B) Taking their eye off the ball during the catch
C) Being too friendly to the opposing team
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) Go to the dugout.
C) Cover first base to receive a throw for a possible out.
D) Run to home plate.
  • 24. What is the purpose of a pickoff attempt to first base?
A) To start a fight
B) To give the runner a head start
C) To catch a runner leading too far off the base
D) To confuse the runner
  • 25. What should a first baseman do when the pitcher is fielding a ground ball near the first base line?
A) Cover first base
B) Field the ball for the pitcher
C) Run to the dugout
D) Watch the game
  • 26. When should you yell 'time'?
A) When you want to start an argument.
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're tired of playing.
  • 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) Let the pitcher field it.
D) Charge aggressively and make a quick throw to the pitcher covering first.
  • 28. What is important about knowing the opposing team's hitters?
A) It's not important.
B) So you can date them
C) So you can talk to them
D) Knowing their tendencies (pull hitter, opposite field hitter) helps with positioning
  • 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) So you can tell jokes.
D) To coordinate who covers which base on various plays.
  • 30. Why is physical fitness important for a first baseman?
A) Allows for quicker reactions, better agility, and injury prevention.
B) So you look good in your uniform.
C) So you can run faster to the snack bar.
D) It's not, you just stand at first base.
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