SECOND BASEMAN

(Redirected from Second base)


'Second base', or ''2B'', is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A 'second baseman' is the baseball player guarding second base. Also called ''2B'', or ''second bagger'', the second baseman often possesses quick hands and feet, needs the ability to get rid of the ball quickly, and must be able to make the pivot on a double play. In addition, shortstops and second basemen are usually right-handed as this is preferential for turning a double play. Second base is also known as the ''keystone sack''. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the second baseman is assigned the number 4.
Second basemen must be quick on their feet to hold the runner on base, back up the shortstop on all throws from the catcher, cover first base on bunted balls, and to field the position to either side. Good second basemen are required to have exceptional range, since they have to field balls closer to the first baseman who is often holding runners on, or moving towards the base to cover. Good range is also helpful since many balls are hit to this position. On a batted ball to right field, the second baseman goes out towards the ball for the relay. Due to these requirements, second base has become primarily a defensive position in the modern game, with comparatively few hitting stars.

==National Baseball Hall of Fame second basemen==
: Note: Year of induction included in parentheses. Hall of Fame Second Baseman

★ Rod Carew (1991) ^[1] (later played first base)

★ Eddie Collins (1939) ^[2]

★ Bobby Doerr (1986)^[3]

★ Johnny Evers (1946)^[4]

★ Nellie Fox (1997)^[5]

★ Frankie Frisch (1947)^[6]

★ Charlie Gehringer (1949)^[7]

★ Frank Grant (2006)^[8]

★ Billy Herman (1975)^[9]

★ Rogers Hornsby (1942)^[10]

★ Nap Lajoie (1937)^[11]

★ Tony Lazzeri (1991)^[12]

★ Bill Mazeroski (2001)^[13]

★ Bid McPhee (2000)^[14]

★ Joe Morgan (1990)^[15]

★ Jackie Robinson (1962)^[16] (began his career at 1B then moved to 2B)

★ Ryne Sandberg (2005)^[17]

★ Red Schoendienst (1989)^[18]

Contents

Other well-known second basemen

Currently active second basemen

References

Other well-known second basemen

★ Roberto Alomar

★ Bobby Avila

★ Geoff Blum

★ Bret Boone

★ Bobby Grich

★ Glenn Hubbard

★ Dick McAuliffe

★ Bobby Lowe (1890s star)

★ Bobby Richardson

★ Johnny Temple

★ Manny Trillo

★ Chase Utley

★ Lou Whitaker

★ Frank White

★ Fernando Viña

★ Edgardo Alfonzo (also played third base)

★ Joe Gordon

Currently active second basemen

As of the 2007 season, Major League Baseball (MLB) active 2nd basemen include:

★ Josh Barfield

★ Ronnie Belliard

★ Craig Biggio (began his career as a catcher)

★ Miguel Cairo

★ Robinson Cano

★ Jorge Cantu

★ Jamey Carroll

★ Jose Castillo

★ Luis Castillo

★ Alex Cora

★ Ray Durham

★ Mark DeRosa

★ Mark Ellis

★ Marcus Giles

★ Ruben Gotay

★ Tony Graffanino

★ Mark Grudzielanek

★ Aaron Hill

★ Orlando Hudson

★ Tadahito Iguchi

★ Kelly Johnson

★ Howie Kendrick

★ Jeff Kent

★ Ian Kinsler

★ Adam Kennedy

★ José Celestino López

★ Mark Loretta

★ Kazuo Matsui

★ Dustin Pedroia

★ Brandon Phillips

★ Plácido Polanco

★ Brian Roberts

★ Dan Uggla

★ Chase Utley

★ Jose Valentin

★ José Vidro

★ Rickie Weeks

References

1. Rod Carew - National Baseball Hall of Fame
2. Eddie Collins - National Baseball Hall of Fame
3. Bobby Doerr - National Baseball Hall of Fame
4. Johnny Evers - National Baseball Hall of Fame
5. Nellie Fox - National Baseball Hall of Fame
6. Frankie Frisch - National Baseball Hall of Fame
7. Charlie Gehringer - National Baseball Hall of Fame
8. Frank Grant - National Baseball Hall of Fame
9. Billy Herman - National Baseball Hall of Fame
10. Rogers Hornsby - National Baseball Hall of Fame
11. Nap Lajoie - National Baseball Hall of Fame
12. Tony Lazzeri - National Baseball Hall of Fame
13. Bill Mazeroski - National Baseball Hall of Fame
14. Bid McPhee - National Baseball Hall of Fame
15. Joe Morgan - National Baseball Hall of Fame
16. Jackie Robinson - National Baseball Hall of Fame
17. Ryne Sandberg - National Baseball Hall of Fame
18. Red Schoendienst - National Baseball Hall of Fame