The position of the second baseman

A second baseman often ranges onto the outfield grass to field a ground ball

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. 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. In fact, second basemen are required to have the greatest range of any infielder, since they have to field balls closer to the first baseman who is often holding runners on, or moving towards the base to cover. On a batted ball to right field, the second baseman goes out towards the ball for the relay.

List of popular players at second base

• Roberto Alomar
• Beto Avila
• Craig Biggio (began his career as a catcher)
• Rod Carew (later played 1B)
• Eddie Collins
• Johnny Evers
• Nellie Fox
• Frankie Frisch
• Charlie Gehringer
• Rogers Hornsby
• Jeff Kent
• Nap Lajoie
• Bobby Lowe (a 1890s star and the first player to hit 4 HR in a game)
• Bill Mazeroski
• Gil McDougald (also played SS and 3B)
• Joe Morgan
• Bobby Richardson
• Jackie Robinson (began his career at 3B)
• Ryne Sandberg
• Johnny Temple
• Manny Trillo
• Jose Vidro
• Lou Whitaker
• Frank White
• Fernando Viña

See also

• List of Gold Glove middle infield duos