Notes from Kleiner's Korner
Week 5: Taking BR into 3rd from “A” Position

March 5, 2023

Welcome to week 5 of KK. Hope you found the "special edition' KK to be helpful. We get back to some mechanics with the regular edition. Understanding the route and angle taking a BR into 3rd from "A" on an extra base hit is critical to ensure you are in the right spot to make a ruling on a play there. Watching the play develop and listening will be your friends when determining where to be to make the call.

When taking a runner around from "A" position, it is imperative to see everything, but LISTEN. Listening to players yelling what base to throw and the base coaches yelling "come" or "stop" will help you figure out your angle and destination point. Notice in the Mechanigram, the line to 3rd does not go straight to second, then over to third. Cut off some distance along the back edge of the mound and beat the runner to third. Be prepared, however, for the runner to slip or stop mid-way and run back to 2nd. Get the best possible angle for the play at 3rd which may keep you inside or may take you outside the foul line. The type of throw and the position on the field it comes from will tell you where to get to for best coverage.

Notice in the Mechanigram, the line to 3rd does not go straight to second, then over to third.

Thanks
JK