Infield ready position

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sluggers

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May 26, 2008
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Dallas, Texas
Is the ready position (the final position of the infielder after the creep/split step) higher than it used to be? Attached is a screenshot of the Minnesota SS and 3B immediately after the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. 3B is in the more traditional down position, while the SS is much more upright.
 

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Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
Is the ready position (the final position of the infielder after the creep/split step) higher than it used to be? Attached is a screenshot of the Minnesota SS and 3B immediately after the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. 3B is in the more traditional down position, while the SS is much more upright.

I don't see a problem with either. MI will have to range a lot more so their ready position should be the most optimal to run. If the SS were in the ready position that the 3B shows, she would have to stand up a bit before ranging to her right or left. Corner IF need to be able ready to catch balls rocketed right at them or a bit to their left or right so the position she is in seems to be a good position to do that.
 
Last edited:
Apr 25, 2017
16
1
Canada
I prefer SS ready position. It looks quicker to react to move and react to whatever happens. I have no idea what I'm talking about though.
 
Jul 29, 2013
6,782
113
North Carolina
My DD plays SS, she also pitches so she knows every pitch call and where that pitch *should* be. She's always in a ready athletic position, she creeps right up to the moment the pitcher is at the bottom of her arm circle and then almost bounces into her (please hit that ball to me) position. She likes to constantly be moving, she said it makes her quicker laterally.
 

obbay

Banned
Aug 21, 2008
2,199
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Boston, MA
I want to see all IF looking like the SS. Glove to the ground becomes an anchor, an old school relic that should be discarded and should only be used by inexperienced younger players who dont know how to get low. Right in there with wrist flicks and squishing the bug.

I like the Howard Kobata method of starting with both hands in the handshake position.
 
Last edited:
Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
I like the Howard Kobata method of starting with both hands in the handshake position.
Agreed, glove thumb up, both hands by the side, body in a position ready to move. Move with glove thumb up, minimal movement of glove and then fielding only requires a quarter turn of glove to field.
 
Jul 29, 2013
6,782
113
North Carolina
I want to see all IF looking like the SS. Glove to the ground becomes an anchor, an old school relic that should be discarded and should only be used by inexperienced younger players who dont know how to get low. Right in there with wrist flicks and squishing the bug.

I like the Howard Kobata method of starting with both hands in the handshake position.

I definitely see your point, especially on the wrist flicks & squish the bug, but I don't have a problem with the 3B starting and staying low with her glove down like in the pic above. SS & 2B need to be moving though! I'm at the point where I think a 3B, a really good 3B is already a little crazy, and if she's good and impresses me with her play, I'll let her start in any position that works for her!
 

Cannonball

Ex "Expert"
Feb 25, 2009
4,854
113
I just heard a MLB coach talk about this as that team's infield is going through a transition. What you have posted (pic) is exactly what he was talking about. Corners low with glove presented in front while SS and 2B more upright. BTW, the coach also mentioned that they want the OF with active feet and never set on the pitch.
 

obbay

Banned
Aug 21, 2008
2,199
0
Boston, MA
but I don't have a problem with the 3B starting and staying low with her glove down like in the pic above.

Thats cool. Just mho. I dont like the 3B like that because i think its too low (or can be) so that they arent as quick to react to a laser shot unless it s hit right at them.
If MLB wants to get low on the corners, i guess the questions Id have is how low? And at what level does it make sense to incorporate?

HS coach insists that all IF have their gloves touching the ground at the pitch, and they are horrendous! So I am biased on the subject.
 

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