Select Baseball First Base Cheatsheet: What You Should Always Be Doing

Whether you’re holding a runner on, digging out low throws, or calling for the ball, playing first base comes with a ton of responsibility. Here’s your go-to cheatsheet to make sure you’re always in the right spot and making smart plays.

✅ Positioning & Pre-Pitch Checklist

• Know the situation – Outs, count, baserunners, and what to do if the ball comes to you.

• Check your footwork – Stay light on your feet, ready to stretch toward the throw.

• Hold the runner – When there’s a runner on 1B, keep a foot on the bag and apply pressure with your glove side toward the runner.

• Ready position – Off the bag (when no runner) with knees bent, glove low, and eyes on the ball.

🧤 Fielding & Receiving

• Be the target – Give your infielders a big, steady target.

• Stretch only when the throw is on the way – Don’t stretch too early; stay athletic and adjust.

• Pick with confidence – Work on short hops and scoops regularly. Your glove work saves errors.

• Tag plays – Be ready to tag if the throw pulls you off the bag or on bunt plays.

🔄 Communication & Cutoffs

• Call it loud – “Got it!” or “Ball, ball!” to avoid confusion on popups.

• Know when you’re the cutoff – On hits to right field, you’re often the cutoff for home.

• Talk to your pitcher – Especially on pick-off plays and bunts—be on the same page.

⚾ Situational Awareness

• Cover 1B – Any ground ball to the right side, you better be sprinting to the bag.

• Double plays – Foot on the bag, quick turn to second if needed. Expect the return throw.

• Back up throws – Always hustle to back up catcher or pitcher when not covering the bag.

🧠 Baseball IQ Tips

• Anticipate bunts – Play closer in with fast runners or in bunt situations.

• Know your pitcher – Lefty or righty? Fastball or off-speed? It affects pick-off moves and where you play.

• Mental reps matter – Between innings, visualize your footwork, scoops, and possible plays.

First Baseman Situational Responsibilities

🟤 On a Bunt

• Crash the play if the bunt is coming your way or it’s a sac bunt situation.

• Communicate! If the 3B charges, you may need to cover 1B.

• If pitcher fields it, get to the bag fast and be ready for a quick throw.

• Yell “Two!” or “One!” to help the team know the play.

🔵 Ball Hit Toward Second Base

• Sprint to cover 1B immediately.

• Be ready for an underhand toss or sidearm throw from the second baseman.

• Set your feet, stretch late, and finish the play.

🟢 Ball Hit Toward Shortstop

• Hold the bag for a routine throw on a grounder.

• Be alert for double play feeds—either starting or receiving the return.

• Back up the throw if there’s a runner advancing and you’re not involved.

🟡 Ball Hit to Left Field

• Typically stay at 1B unless you’re the cutoff to second (rare).

• Trail the runner slightly if there’s a play developing at second.

• On deep hits or slow runners, prepare for a cutoff to home if directed.

🟠 Ball Hit to Center Field

• Be ready to receive a relay throw if the runner is trying to stretch to third or score.

• Often, your job is to back up throws to second or home.

• If the runner on 1B tags and runs, cover your bag for a pick-off throw back.

🔴 Ball Hit to Right Field

• You are the cutoff man for plays at home.

• Line up between right fielder and home plate.

• If no play at home, hustle back to 1B in case the runner tries to return or gets caught.

🏆 Coach T’s Quick Tips

• Be vocal, be visible, and be confident.

• You’re a leader on the infield—act like it.

• Trust your glove. Mistakes happen—flush them and move on.

📝 TL;DR

First base isn’t just about catching the ball—it’s about owning the corner. Always know the situation, talk it up, be aggressive with your glove, and stay locked in every pitch. A great first baseman turns routine plays into outs—and saves the team runs with clutch scoops and heads-up plays.