second baseman

The position of the second baseman

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.

For baserunners, second is the easiest base to steal, because the catcher must throw a farther distance.

Phillies second baseman Plácido Polanco (now with the Detroit Tigers) ranges onto the outfield grass to field a ground ball

National Baseball Hall of Fame second basemen

Note: Year of induction included in parentheses. ^[1]

• Rod Carew (1991) ^[2] (later played first base)
• Eddie Collins (1939) ^[3]
• Bobby Doerr (1986)^[4]
• Johnny Evers (1946)^[5]
• Nellie Fox (1997)^[6]
• Frankie Frisch (1947)^[7]
• Charlie Gehringer (1949)^[8]
• Frank Grant (2006)^[9]
• Billy Herman (1975)^[10]
• Rogers Hornsby (1942)^[11]
• Nap Lajoie (1937)^[12]
• Tony Lazzeri (1991)^[13]
• Bill Mazeroski (2001)^[14]
• Bid McPhee (2000)^[15]
• Joe Morgan (1990)^[16]
• Jackie Robinson (1962)^[17] (began his career at 1B then moved to 2B)
• Ryne Sandberg (2005)^[18]
• Red Schoendienst (1989)^[19]

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

See also: List of Gold Glove middle infield duos

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

Baseball positions
	Outfielders:	Left field | Center field | Right field
	Infielders:	3rd base | Shortstop | 2nd base | 1st base
	Battery:	Pitcher | Catcher
	Other:	Designated hitter

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