First baseman Facts for Kids

The position of the first baseman

First base, or 1B, is one of the four main spots on a baseball diamond in baseball. It's the first base a runner must touch after hitting the ball. The player who stands near first base is called the first baseman. Their main job is to catch throws from other players and tag out runners before they reach the base.

What a First Baseman Does
Famous First Basemen
- Hall of Fame First Basemen
- Other Notable First Basemen
Images for kids
See also

What a First Baseman Does

The first baseman is a very important player on the field. They need to be good at catching, especially throws that aren't perfect. They also need to be quick and agile to stretch for throws and tag runners.

Catching Throws

A big part of a first baseman's job is catching throws from other infielders (like the second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman) and sometimes the pitcher. These throws often come very fast, and the first baseman needs to be ready to catch them cleanly. They also need to be able to stretch their body towards the throw while keeping one foot on the base. This helps the runner be out before they reach the base.

Fielding Ground Balls

First basemen also need to field ground balls hit to their side of the field. They must scoop up the ball and either tag the runner, throw to another base, or step on first base themselves to get an out.

Tagging Runners

When a runner tries to reach first base, the first baseman must catch the ball and touch the runner or the base before the runner gets there. This is called a "tag out" or a "force out."

Being a Good Teammate

First basemen often communicate with the pitcher and other infielders. They help guide throws and make sure everyone knows what to do in different plays.

Famous First Basemen

Many amazing players have played first base throughout baseball history. These players were known for their powerful hitting, great defense, or both.

Hall of Fame First Basemen

Some of the greatest first basemen are honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame. They include:

Lou Gehrig: Known as "The Iron Horse," he played for the New York Yankees and was famous for his hitting and playing many games in a row.
Hank Greenberg: A powerful hitter for the Detroit Tigers, he won two MVP awards.
Willie McCovey: A strong left-handed hitter for the San Francisco Giants, known for his long home runs.
Eddie Murray: A consistent hitter and excellent defender who played for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles.
Albert Pujols: One of the greatest hitters of all time, he played most of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Other Notable First Basemen

Many other first basemen have been very important to their teams. Some well-known players who played first base include:

Miguel Cabrera: A fantastic hitter who won a Triple Crown (leading the league in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in).
Prince Fielder: Known for his incredible power and home runs.
Ryan Howard: A strong slugger who played for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Mark Teixeira: A switch-hitter known for his power and excellent defense.

Images for kids

Sean Casey, former first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, tries to keep his foot on the base while receiving a throw.
A high school first baseman takes a throw from the third baseman to get a runner out.
Eric Hosmer of the San Diego Padres, an example of a left-handed throwing first baseman.
Hank Greenberg, Hall of Fame first baseman and 2-time MVP.
Tim Jordan, a first baseman for the Washington Senators.