Players who elect to play 1B means...

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

...that they can't field any other meaningful position and think they'd be the best because they play the easiest position in baseball.

MLB Examples:
David Ortiz
Jason Giambi
Nick Johnson
Carlos Delgado

Exceptions (some):
Todd Helton
Derrek Lee
Albert Pujols

Remarks?

[chesspirate]

I don't think many players "elect" to play first base in MLB, it has usually already been decided.

Also, the advantage of a top notch defensive first baseman should NEVER go unapreciated. The difference between a scoop for an out, or botching it, the difference between knowing how to take a bad throw and stay on the bag or not, the ability to know what balls he can get to and the the ones he should leave for the 2b or P. I would not call any position on the diamond the "easiest" either, each position takes it's own skill set.

I've seen people who have no clue how to make a good stretch, and some don't even know how to stay on the bag. And in MLB, first baseman have to deal with the power lefties so taking care of a hard shot from the likes of Ortiz and others is no small feet.

Generally though, the corner infield positions have been somewhat designated for the larger less athletic hitters. so what

[MrUniverse09]

Ortiz plays first base now? :eek: That's news to me.

[Mark H]

...that they can't field any other meaningful position and think they'd be the best because they play the easiest position in baseball.

?

More likely, but not always, it means a kid can hit the #$%% out of the ball but he doesn't have much footspeed and there's a kid at third who is quicker with a better arm.

[Williamsburg2599]

...that they can't field any other meaningful position and think they'd be the best because they play the easiest position in baseball.

MLB Examples:
David Ortiz
Jason Giambi
Nick Johnson
Carlos Delgado

Exceptions (some):
Todd Helton
Derrek Lee
Albert Pujols

Remarks?
The easiest position in baseball!?! Them fightin' words!:mad:. Not exactly sure what is, but 1st base defintly isin't easy. Miss one ball, like buckner, and you could ruin your team's play-off run or give yourself a bad reputation for the rest of your life.Stretching as far as your muscles can to nab a ball before the runner reaches is "easy"?Always keeping your foot on the base is "easy?"Are you suggesting most people who play first base are lazy or something? If you count DH as a postion, then that probabily would be.

[Mark H]

It ain't shortstop.

[wilson68]

I remember Sparky Anderson, when still with the Tigers, saying something like "My grandmother could play first." I think he was making a point to someone who wasn't hitting well about how far their defensive abilities were going to take them at that position.

[tyberesk]

First Base can also mean that the rest of your team cant throw a ball to save their lives. I play first, but i would rather catch or play third. If you coach wants you to play somewhere, you cant put up a fight about it. The most injuries in baseball happen at first base, thats why they were even considering the option of a two-bag base system at first base. Last year I got railed and sprained my wrist, ruined my season, and a few people i've known have had their wrists broken. At first base your a big target with some "UPS" who can scoop a ball -> thats it.

[Trot2millah]

First base isn't the easiest! You have to be able to react in a second to a pitcher's pickoff move, hold the guy on, and still field your position. They have less distance between them and the plate than shortstop. They have to perfectly judge a ball so when it bounces you can get it. And it goes on and on.

[Williamsburg2599]

First base isn't the easiest! You have to be able to react in a second to a pitcher's pickoff move, hold the guy on, and still field your position. They have less distance between them and the plate than shortstop. They have to perfectly judge a ball so when it bounces you can get it. And it goes on and on.
A few years ago, I got hit in the face on a pick-off throw playing first..by the fastest pitcher in the league....during 40 degree weather.ouch!and the great news is he's on my team again this year:eek:.Hey,atleast i don't have to face him:D.Judging a bounce is the hardest part about 1st,like if you should let it bounce or lunge for it,hows it gonna bounce,whats it going to bounce off(grass,dirt or the hardest the grass/dirt combo:eek: ).Also staying on the baseline to catch a ball as a runner is barreling down on you while your judging all that.Not so easy:D

[Kenny_77]

I would not call any position on the diamond the "easiest" either, each position takes it's own skill set.


Agreed. But I do believe there is less running involved

[Bluesteve32]

The easiest position in baseball!?! Them fightin' words!:mad:. Not exactly sure what is, but 1st base defintly isin't easy. Miss one ball, like buckner, and you could ruin your team's play-off run or give yourself a bad reputation for the rest of your life.Stretching as far as your muscles can to nab a ball before the runner reaches is "easy"?Always keeping your foot on the base is "easy?"Are you suggesting most people who play first base are lazy or something? If you count DH as a postion, then that probabily would be.


OK, I understand what you are saying, but quite frankly, it is the easiest position to play in baseball. Oh yeah, I played first base, because I was not as good as the other second basemen on the team. In college, I played both, and actually prefered second, but was more suited for first because of an arm injury.

Most MLB players would be able to transition to first base rather quickly because even the weakest arm player can play there. Virtually all other positions require some arm to play, even second base has to make that 90' throw on DPs.