First base Baseball field

left field foul pole @ citi field in flushing, queens.

first base first of 4 bases must touched player on batting team in order score run. unlike when offensive player reaches second or third base, permissible batter-runner overrun first base without being in jeopardy of being put out. after contact made base, batter-runner may slow down , return first base @ leisure, long makes no move or attempt advance second base. runner cannot tagged out if touching base part of body.

the first baseman defensive player responsible area near first base. professional first baseman slow runner , tall. tall first baseman presents large target other fielders can throw, , height gives him larger range in reaching , catching errant throws. players left-handed marginally preferable first base because: first, easier left-handed fielder catch pick-off throw pitcher , tag baserunner; and, second, easier left handed thrower make throw second base start 3-6-3, 3-6-4, or 3-6-1 double play. also, right-handed first baseman must, when setting himself receive throw infielder, execute half-pivot near base; move left-hander need not make (this advantage marginal, however). there 3 infield positions can occupied right-handed players: 2nd base, 3rd base, , shortstop. because of time takes pivot , set throw. takes left-handed thrower more time make pivot , in fast-paced major league game, time critical. result, there fewer positions left-handed player can occupy, , if player not fast, outfield may not fit.

in numbering system used record defensive plays, first baseman assigned number 3 .