Joseph “Joe” Vessecchia is a student at the University of Rochester who is working toward his MBA degree. An outdoors enthusiast, Joseph Vessecchia also has a passion for sports such as tennis and baseball. When it comes to the latter game, defense is a critical aspect of the equation and no player has a more pivotal role than the shortstop.
The shortstop is ideally positioned to turn a double play, because he is involved of majority of the action. The most common double play scenario involves the shortstop throwing the ball to the second baseman, who then throws the ball to the first baseman. This is known as a 6-4-3 double play. The shortstop can clearly see the runner in advance, and their angle of attack in trying to break up the play.
The key to an efficient double play is to square up and give the second baseman a large target during a 4-6-3 double play. Receiving the ball to the left side of the shoulder or chest sets the momentum in a direction away from the runner. Once the ball is in the mitt, the shortstop can simply clip the bag with their right foot (or not) and continue in that direction, getting out of the base path and the runner’s range of attack.
The art of the double play comes here, as the shortstop starts to turn their upper body in line with the first base path. This upper body turn will cause the legs to pivot as well, and allow for a quick plant and throw to the first baseman. If the runner is approaching quickly, a jump above incoming cleats may be necessary to avoid a collision. Ideally, the jump lands the shortstop away from the runner, yet sometimes there is no chance but to fall on the runner.
Joseph Vessecchia 