A collision or near-collision between two outfielders, two infielders, or an infielder and an outfielder can prove costly during a game. It usually occurs between a pair of determined, aggressive players, who fail to hear, see or take charge of an otherwise simple play. On the opposite side of the spectrum the overcautious and timid players who give right of way to each other, with the ball falling safely between them!
The solution to this is setting up a system covering all fly balls and pop-ups. The two or three players involved immediately know who has priority, whose call takes precedence, and who should back away.
THE PRIORITY SYSTEM
- The pitcher has priority over the catcher
- All infielders have priority over the pitcher and catcher
- The second baseman has priority over the first baseman
- The third baseman has priority over the first baseman
- The shortstop has priority over all the infielders
- All outfielders have priority over all the infielders.
- The center fielder has priority over the left and right fielders
It is easier for an outfielder to come forward to catch a fly ball than for an infielder to go back. This is because the ball is drifting into the outfielder while it is drifting away from the infielder. Also, the outfielder, by moving in, will end up in better throwing position in case a base runner is tagging up and trying to advance.
It is easier for a shortstop to circle behind a third baseman than a third baseman to go backward. This is because the shortstop is playing deeper to begin with and has a better angle on the ball. For the same reasons, it is easier for a second baseman to circle behind a first baseman than for a first baseman to go back.
It is easier for a first or third baseman to come in on a pop-up rather than for a catcher to go out since the ball is drifting into the infielder rather than away from the catcher.
It is easier for a pitcher to come in for a pop-up than for a catcher to go out for the same reason. Pitchers may have the best shot of all on shallow bloopers and bunts.
OTHER KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER ARE
- Players chase all fly balls they can reach until someone else calls them off it. They should not automatically assume that someone else “has it.”
- Wait until the ball reaches the peak of its climb before calling for it.
- Also be aware of the sun. A fielder may lose sight of a ball but if another player hustles to back them up, they may be able to come to the “rescue.”