AboutJohn Priest Expertise I currently work for the Nokona Baseball Factory as the Baseball Fudamentals expert. I design all training programs and work closly with the major league baseball players. I can answer all questions regarding baseball fundementals from the little league to the professional level. I have the most knowledge in hitting mechanics and fundamentals and the development of power and batspeed. I can also answer all questions for catchers, pitchers, infielders, and outfielders. I also have experience coaching at the high school and AAU levels.
Experience I am currently the Nokona Batman (www.nokonawreckingcrew.com). I am the baseball fundamentals expert for the company. I have played through college, and semi pro baseball. For the past 10 years I have been doing instruction for all age and ability levels. Numerous clients of mine have gone on to play in college and some are playing in the minor leagues.
Publications I produce all baseball fundamental publications for the Nokona Baseball Factory.
Education/Credentials I am currently back in school to finish my major.
Question Co-ed softball. Runner on first. Ball is hit to right field, runner rounds second and heads for third. Reaches third standing up then gets hit in the side of the head with the ball after it bounces in front of him from the throw from right field. Where should the third baseman have been? She he have come off the bag since it wasn't a force and catch the ball before hitting the runner. The runner clearly beat the throw.
Answer Andrew,
Since the runner clearly beat the throw the third baseman could have come off the bag. The third baseman shouldn't come off the bag to get the ball if he is going to be in the way of the runner. The pitcher should be backing up third base in case of an over throw. The shortstop should be the cut off during the play. If their is no play on the runner or if the throw is off line than the third baseman should yell to the short stop to cut the ball off to prevent any wild throws.
This play starts with the right fielder making a good throw that is able to be cut off if needed. It also starts with good communication between the third baseman ,shortstop, and pitcher to get lined up in the cut off position. If all this happens it doesn't matter if the third baseman doesn't get to the ball because the cut off and back ups are in place.
Realistically if the third baseman could have gotten the ball without interfering with the runner he should have.
