Baseball, individual play and team play in detail

Front matter

IIIPVIDUAL PLAY AND TEAM PLAY IN DETAIL

MPSQM

Class Lj : Book vj h D

Introduction

The present position of the game of baseball in the United States, the enthusiasm with which it is played, and the interest with which it is watched by the American people have made it very evident that it would be valuable both to players and spectators to have easily available a book formulating what has been found to be the best way of playing the game. Although it is a sport which is most widely followed, yet comparatively few players, and fewer spectators, really understand it thoroughly. The reason for this will be apparent when one realizes that the leaders of the game, with a knowledge gained through years of experience and careful study, have, for the most part, reserved this knowledge for those immediately under their control, while the average player and spectator must be content to play and watch the game as best he can.

A brief review of the development of the game will help to bring out the facts that have to do with the writing of this book.

Baseball originated here in America in the simple pastime of tossing, hitting, and catching a vi INTRODUCTION

ball. At first two, then three, boys played the game. Gradually the number of players was increased; an infield and an outfield were formed; play became more complicated; and rules were drawn up. When the game had assumed definite form, its popularity spread throughout the country; for here was a sport which was good fun — it including throwing, batting, running, and catching under the most exciting of conditions; and eighteen men could take part in it at one time. Year after year the game was played with increasing interest — boys were playing it in their early teens, and continued to do so in manhood. In the meantime, after years of pure fun, men began to specialize in the game. They studied it, for they realized that, in addition to purely natural physical skill, other things were necessary; and these were to be acquired only through observation and practice. Pitchers, instead of being contented to throw a straight ball, began to curve it. Combination play — team-work — was developed. Men took advantage of knowledge gained through experience and began to diagnose plays ahead of time.

Certain principles were deduced, laws were discovered, and years of experience produced a class of experts — men who were skilful in physical execution and keen in mental activity — skilful

INTRODUCTION vii

in handling the ball, in running the bases, and in batting; keen in observing and putting into effect the laws of probability.

And from among these experts leaders were selected to manage the various clubs which were soon formed. It became the duty of these managers to determine the style of play to be followed by their respective teams and to teach the recruits the fine points of professional baseball. These fine points, subsequently known as "inside baseball," acquired by the managers only after years of experience, were imparted to the chosen few; that is, to the members of the clubs. Amateur players and the general public were left to pick up baseball knowledge as they could — all the while considering the "inside baseball" of professionalism as something sacred and unknowable. As a result, we have baseball played in two ways: one in which the players have not had the opportunity of learning the best methods of play; and the other, in which the players are all schooled by experienced masters of the game. One class of players is carried away by the thrill of bodily action and the excitement of contest, failing to bring their minds properly into the play. The other class of players, through experience and careful instruction, are made to bring all their faculties into play at all stages of the game.

vili INTRODUCTION

In the present work, the authors, after careful study based on personal experience, inquiry, and comparison, have formulated for the general public, including the amateur and professional player, the whole subject of baseball as it is played in the most advanced circles, namely, in the major leagues.

In addition, chapters are included which should be of interest and value to spectators of the game and to college ball-players.

w. J. c.

F. T. D.

Contents

CHAPTER PAGE

I. The Catcher i

II. The Pitcher 20

II

Little need be said of the relative value of a pitcher to his team. To any one who knows baseball at all, this value is quite apparent. Other things being equal, the team with the best pitcher usually wins. And yet how few people know just what constitutes good pitching ! To the average spectator, a man seems to be a good pitcher if he has lots of speed and good curves. But to a close student of the game it becomes at once apparent that a first-class pitcher must have a fast ball (and generally a curve), a slow ball, and control. The last-named qualification is the vitally important one.

Control

And yet how few pitchers to-day can define the word control! The significance of the word pitcher to them is that he is one of nine men occupying a definite position in the game of baseball. He works by prearranged signals with the

catcher, who may — for illustration — use one finger for a fast ball and two fingers for a curve ball. We will grant that the pitcher has an abundance of speed and good curves; if the catcher signals for the fast ball, it is thrown, high or low, over the centre of the plate or wide — it does not seem to matter much to the pitcher — he has pitched a fast ball since it was called for. The same thing is often true of the curve ball. And the majority of pitchers to-day are satisfied to let it go at that ! How often one hears the remark, "He has everything in the box to-day; yet the opposing batters are hitting the ball all over the field," and again, *'He has a thousand-dollar arm and a five-cent head."

These pitchers think that control means placing every ball that they throw right over the heart of the base, waist-high. That is exactly what It does not mean. Strictly speaking, control means that ability in a pitcher which enables him (after studying the batter) to throw that ball which the batter cannot hit safely — always placing it either high or low (at the shoulders or knees) and either on the inside or outside corner of the base, avoiding the waist-high hall over the centre of the base.

Study the batsman as he takes his position to hit. In delivering the fast ball, try to place it at what is the batter's weakest point. And in pitching the curve, try to break it low; that is the only safe and successful place to break it.

How often the remark is heard that *'He hasn't a thing but a glove!" and yet this same pitcher may be a consistent winner. But study him well, and it will be found that he has two of the greatest assets — namely, brains and control: brains to note and remember a batter's weakness, and the control to pitch to it.

The pitcher, on those days when he is not pitching, should study the batters from the bench. This will enable him to pick out the various batters' weaknesses, and he can use the knowledge thus gained when he is in the box. While in the game, remember the balls which the various batters hit successfully — and try something else on them the next time they are at bat. If you find that during the game you are being hit freely, stop and try to "think out" what the trouble is; and the chances are you will find that you have been putting the ball over the middle of the base, breaking your curves high, or giving the batters just what they like. Stop and think! Do not become enraged and try to drive the ball past the batter's club, because "the faster they come, the farther they will go" (unless you mix a little brains with your speed). In these days when everybody has the art of curving the ball the successful pitcher depends to a great extent upon a change of pace; that is, the alternating of fast balls with curves and slow balls. This change of pace will do more than anything else to prevent being hit freely.

Early-Season Training

As is true in the case of every ball player, the pitcher should begin his early-season training by getting his whole body into good condition. It is a grave mistake to think that all a pitcher has to do is to get his arm into shape to throw nine innings twice a week. Many a pitcher has weakened in the last part of the game, not because his arm was not powerful enough, but because the rest of his physique was exhausted; he had neglected the rest of his body while training the arm alone. Road-work, dumb-bells, handball, anything to bring all the muscles into play, regularly, and out-of-doors if possible, will give a man the right start in his training. And during the early-season work, the pitchers, when not in the box, should work hard to get their legs in good condition. To get good wind and endurance chase fly balls in the outfield. Practise fielding bunts ofF the side lines; this will help wonderfully in games — and the work will help to put you in sound condition. Another excellent exercise is that of batting fly balls to the outfield; swinging the bat will strengthen the arms and the back muscles. In order to pitch a long, hard game, your whole body will be called upon to reinforce your arm, and you will be called upon to hit and run bases like any other player; so prepare yourself by careful training.

Getting Control and Caring for the Arm

The importance of control has been emphasized above; we shall now deal with the methods of acquiring it. Some pitchers have no difficulty with control; it comes to them naturally, just as batting comes naturally to some players. But most pitchers are not so fortunate; they acquire control only after long practice. If you are one of the less fortunate, work to get your eye and muscles so trained that perfect co-ordination follows; in other words, so that you can control the ball. If necessary, pitch to a mark on a piece of canvas, or an old mattress set up against the wall. Make Hnes on the mattress (or canvas) at the height of a batter's knees and shoulders — put up sticks or boards six inches from each side of the base to indicate the batter's position. Then throw with the deliberate intention of placing the ball at a definite spot. Some managers advocate pitching to a dummy of the average batter's size.

Take a half-dozen balls and deliver them at the mark one after another; walk after them, return to your position and pitch again — the walk will limber you up. Repeat this for half an hour, day after day, and the result will be generally quite gratifying. Of course, if it is possible to have somebody catch for you, so much the better.

It is imperative, however, that the season be started with easy, slow, graceful throwing movements. Increase the speed day by day — learning to keep the fast ball high or low — at the shoulder or knee.

Develop the overhanded motion as much as possible with the long, swinging motion of the arm; follow the forward motion of the arm with the body, leaning forward as you throw. Bring the back into play as much as possible; this will increase your speed and decrease the strain on your arm. (See frontispiece.) Avoid using the short, jerky elbow motion in delivering the ball. Always remember to throw the hall at some particular spot, either high or low, on the inside or outside corner. The corners count as much as across the middle, and these balls are hard to hit safely.

A week's practice on the fast ball will strengthen the arm sufficiently to allow gradual work on the curve. Do not throw the curved ball until the arm has been made perfectly strong by the use of speed (straight balls). Many pitchers have ruined their arms by beginning to throw curves before their arms were strong. The arm may feel strong very early in the season, but it really is not; the muscles are tender and are easily strained — especially by throwing curves. Right here applies the old saying that "A man is weakest when at his strongest." Begin by throwing the curve slowly; then increase the speed day by day — never losing sight of the fact that every ball delivered must be over some part of the base.

To get the right control, pitch to batters in their position as much as your arm will permit.

Pitchers who are working for control, especially young players just starting out, should never try to pitch when the arm feels tired, "dead," or heavy. Light work during the early spring (or late winter) with dumb-bells and pulleys will strengthen the arms and back. However, a great deal of this kind of work is not advisable, because a pitcher does not need a large, muscular arm; such arms are usually somewhat musclebound, lacking in flexibleness and snap qualities very essential to the pitcher's arm. Probably one of the surest indications of the condition of the arm is the weight that the ball seems to have. If it feels light — and your arm responds readily — usually your arm is in good condition to pitch.

But if the ball feels heavy, and it is only with an effort that you can swing your arm, then be careful. It is an easy matter to make the arm sore; and as the pitcher's arm is his greatest asset, extreme care is necessary to avoid injuring it. The old policy of "pitching out" a soreness is a dangerous experiment to try, as the affected parts are usually aggravated all the more by forced exercise.

Warming Up

Be sure to have your arm (and body too) warm before beginning to pitch hard. Start the preliminary throwing slowly, and increase the speed gradually until the required warmth is produced. Fifteen minutes is a safe time limit to place on the warming-up before a game; the last four or five minutes should be spent in throwing the ball as hard as you intend to in the game. How often have games been won and lost in the opening innings before the pitcher was well warmed up ! The pitcher *'hits his stride" toward the last of the game — but it is then too late. To go into the game properly warmed up means to pitch the best ball from the very beginning. Always keep the arm and body well covered — a good woollen shirt is desirable. (It is advisable to have a dry shirt handy, to which you can change if it is necessary to remain on the field.)

Rubbing the Arm

If the arm feels fresh and strong and is without pain or heaviness, stay away from the "rubber." It is a bad thing to get into the habit of having the arm rubbed constantly. (Some masseurs rub the life all out of the arm.) Continued application of liniments to the arm produces what is known as the "medicine arm" — that is, one which depends upon the stimulating effects of the "rub"; in this case the muscles lose their natural life and demand artificial vigor. Needless to say, such arms soon become flabby and useless as pitching organs.

The tired, overworked, or strained arm needs first of all — rest! There are numerous remedies for sore arms — every trainer has a different one. They are all surface effects; no liniment reaches the sore spot — yet any counter-irritant will help to draw the soreness out. A liberal application of hot towels is as good as anything. If the arm feels heavy and "dead," especially if there is pain, rest it for a few days — don't throw at all; for in doing so you are likely to ruin it. After four or five days of rest, begin to throw gradually; and if there is no pain, and the arm has regained its vigor, then work carefully to prepare yourself to pitch. It is well, however, during this rest, not to remain absolutely idle — the exercise gained in chasing balls is conducive to keeping in good physical condition (being careful not to strain the arm while returning the balls).

The Waste Ball

There are times when it is absolutely necessary for the catcher to receive the ball beyond the reach of the batter and at a height from which it is easy to throw. This ball is called the waste ball, because it is virtually wasted on the batter.

The pitcher should develop the ability to throw this ball whenever the catcher calls for it. It should be thrown high and outside of the base away from the batter — so that he cannot hit it. It is pretty certain that when the waste-ball signal is given, some position will be left uncovered; therefore do all in your power to perfect the play which your catcher has planned. Nothing is more disheartening to a fielder than to have a ball hit through his position, which he has left in order to complete some signal play.

Holding and Throwing the Ball

The pitcher should hold and deliver all balls as nearly alike as possible to prevent the batter from diagnosing the delivery. For instance, if the pitcher delivers the fast ball with an overhand motion, he should throw his curve and slow ball the same way. If he uses the overhand delivery for his fast ball, and a side-arm motion for the curve, it won't take an opposing team long to find it out; and then they can always tell ahead of time just what to expect.

The Fast Ball

In delivering the fast ball, grasp it firmly with the first two fingers and the thumb and let it go off the tip of the fingers. Some pitchers get the best results by placing the two fingers along the seams, each finger on a seam (where they are closest together, see illustration facing page 34); others place the two fingers across the seams; while others have success by grasping it with the fingers and thumb in almost any position. A pitcher should try these different methods and adopt the one that gives him the best results. Start this ball and deliver it either in the manner shown in illustration opposite or in the frontispiece. When delivered with a motion that is between straight overhand and side-arm, this ball, with all the power of arm and back behind it, will break a little (that is, when thrown by a right-handed pitcher to a right-handed batter, the ball bores in toward the batter). If the required speed is present, the ball will seem to hop or rise.

THE PITCHER DELIVERING AN UNDERHAND FAST BALL.

Keep this fast ball shoulder-high and as near the corners of the plate as possible, never cutting the centre of the plate unless compelled to; occasionally throwing it low — at the batter's knees. This low fast ball is very effective when alternated with the low drop-ball— using the same general delivery in each case. A pitcher who has a good fast ball which he can control is not compelled to throw many curves — only enough to unsettle the batter by letting him know that he has a variety.

The Out-Curve The preliminary motions of throwing the out-curve are the same as those of throwing the fast ball — the grip on the ball, the wind-up, and the back movement are identical in each case. But instead of letting the ball go off the tips of the fingers, as is done when throwing the fast ball, the out-curve is produced by a twist of the wrist bringing the hand across in front of the body nearly horizontally, with the back of the hand downward, spinning the ball with nearly a vertical axis, letting it go out between the thumb and the side of the index-finger. (See illustration facing page 32.)

The Drop-Curve The preliminary motions of throwing this ball should be the same as those of throwing the fast ball and out-curve. There are two methods of producing this curve.

One is the following: The ball is sent spinning with a horizontal axis by a twist of the wrist, bringing the hand directly downward — the back of the hand vertical — letting the ball go out between the thumb and side of the index-finger. (See illustration A facing this page.)

Another method of throwing the drop-curve is that of twisting the wrist and bringing the hand directly downward with the palm up, letting the ball go out between the tips of the fingers and thumb, with a snap of the wrist. (See illustration B facing this page.)

The Out-Drop

Use the same preliminary motions as in throwing the fast ball.

This curve should be thrown the same as the out-curve, except that instead of bringing the hand across in front horizontally, it should be swept diagonally outward and downward. (See illustration facing page 34.)

The Change of Pace

All curve balls should not be thrown with the same speed. It is very effective to throw curves (especially drop-curves) occasionally with very

B. THE DROP-CURVE.

little power behind them, thus producing a slow curve — or what is known as a change of face. This also is true of the straight ball.

The Slow Ball

This ball should be thrown with identically the same motion as the fast ball, the only difference being in the way the ball is held. There are several methods of producing the slow ball, among which the following are most common. (It is advisable to experiment with these various methods, and to adopt one only after being convinced that it will produce the best results.)

{a) Grasp the ball with the first two fingers and the thumb, pushing the ball well back into the hand against the base of the fingers and thumb. Then, in throwing the ball, remove the ends of the fingers from the ball, grasping it with the thumb and last joints of the fingers.

{h) Deliver the ball held by the thumb and last two fingers, removing the first two fingers entirely from the ball upon delivering it.

{c) Deliver the ball held in the palm of the hand by the thumb and little finger — the three middle fingers entirely removed from the ball. (See illustrations A, B, and C, facing page 36.)

In throwing the slow ball, the pitcher should avoid making a slow motion; the motion should be as rapid and vigorous as though producing the fast or curved balL It is only in this way that the ball can be made deceptive.

The Knuckle Ball

Hold the ball in the palm of the hand, grasped by the thumb and last two fingers, with the first two fingers bent in, pressing the knuckles against the ball. (See illustration facing this page.) Some pitchers press the knuckles of the three middle fingers against the ball.

The knuckle ball is curious in that it combines the eflPects of the slow ball with the drop-curve and the moist ball.

It is, however, a difficult ball to control, having been mastered by but few pitchers.

The Moist Ball (Spit-Ball)

Hold the ball just as it is held when throwing the fast ball, except that the fingers must rest on a smooth part of the cover (avoiding the seams) — the thumb preferably across the seams. The cover of the ball should be moistened with saliva under the ends of the first two fingers.

In order to obtain the best results, this ball should be thrown with considerable speed, just as the fast ball is thrown.

THE FAST BALL.

II

Fielding the Position

The pitcher, after he has thrown the ball to the batter, should at once become an infielder — and he can be a very important one. But before he does deliver the ball, he should plan what to do with the ball if it is hit to him. He should get into the habit of covering first base, home-base, and third base; and also of backing up these bases when it is necessary.

Whenever the pitcher has fielded a ball and is to throw to a base, unless the throw be a short one, he should not delay, or throw the ball slowly — a quick, true throw is the safest way to retire the runner.

Few conditions are more fatal to a ball team than that of having weak fielding pitchers. Once let the opponents know that the "slabman" can't handle batted balls, and immediately a shower of bunts will follow.

A great deal of practice should be put on handling batted balls of all kinds. And the most practical work can be done by having men hunt and then run to first. In this way the pitcher becomes accustomed to throwing on the inside of the base-line away from the path of the runner; he also gains practice in gauging the time of the throw.

All bunts should be picked up and thrown with an underhanded motion. Straightening up to throw wastes too much time. Practise fielding bunts on both sides of the diamond. Start after a bunt at the crack of the bat — pick it up, one hand if necessary, and snap it to first without straightening up — do not use any long swing with this motion. Practise the underhand throw to first. On bunts between the pitcher and third-baseman which the third-baseman gets, the pitcher should cover third base and be ready to receive the ball in case the runner is coming from first to third, on the play.

When a bunted ball rolls between the pitcher and the catcher, if the ball can be handled better by the pitcher, he should call out "Mine" ! The catcher should do the same if he can field the ball. This calling out prevents coUisions.

When the ball is hit to the first-base side of the diamond, if the ball is not within the pitcher's reach, he should always cover first base. (He is really an assistant first-baseman.) Very frequently the pitcher will have to cover first base with such speed that he cannot stop at the base but will have to overrun it. When running at top speed, it is difficult to catch the ball, touch the base, and avoid the runner all at once; therefore a great deal of practice should be put in on

B. First two fingers off the ball.

C. First three fingers off the ball. THE SLOW BALL.

covering first and receiving the ball from the infielders. The fact that the pitcher will cover first base allows the first-baseman to cover a great deal of ground. On bunts between pitcher and first-baseman both players should be sure that either one or the other gets the ball, the other one covering. In this play if the pitcher gets the ball, he can either make the put-out himself, or toss the ball to whoever is covering first base — either the second-baseman or first-baseman. If the pitcher is unable to get the bunted ball, he should continue toward first base, to be ready to cover that base if it is necessary.

In fielding the ball to a base (with men on bases) the pitcher should always listen to his catcher, who will coach him where to throw the ball; this practice saves the pitcher the work of deciding the play himself— and of course makes it fast.

When, with second base occupied by a runner, the ball is hit safely to the outfield, and the ball is being thrown home to catch the man who is scoring from second, the pitcher should get in line with the throw at a point about thirty feet in front of the catcher. (For other methods of making this play see Diagrams II and III, pages 199 and 200.) Then if the catcher sees that he cannot handle the ball in time to retire the runner, he should call to the pitcher to intercept it; whereupon the pitcher catches it and throws to second — retiring the base-runner there, i. e., the batsman who will be running to second on the throw to the plate. (As to when to play when ball is hit past the outfielders see Diagrams IV, V, VI, and VIII, pages 200, 201, and 202.)

After a hit to an infielder, it is unnecessary to cross the line between the runner and first base. The pitcher in so doing merely uses up energy that should be reserved for pitching. If the ball is thrown poorly, the first-baseman will get it almost as quickly as the pitcher can. Indeed, in crossing the line, the pitcher is increasing the runner's chances of reaching first base; for if the pitcher blocks the runner in any way, the runner is entitled to first base. The runner knows, or should know, this, and is probably making every effort to come in contact with the pitcher.

The pitcher should cover home-base on all plays that take the catcher away from his position — such as foul flies, wild pitches, etc. (See also Diagram VIII, page 202.)