Strike Zone

What makes a first baseman great? In the past many different types of players have become good first baseman. First baseman comes in all different shapes and sizes. Some are excellent average hitters, some have a great glove, some hit for power, and some combine all of these elements. Today, Todd Helton, Jason Giambi, Jim Thome, Mike Sweeney, and Jeff Bagwell are among the elite at this position. These players have many of the above tools.

A good first baseman needs to be able to scoop low throws in the dirt. An infielders best friend is a first baseman who can help out from time to time. A first baseman with quick feet is valuable because the will be able to shift around the bag naturally to cover their territory.

Why are there so many left-handed first baseman? There are some advantages to be a left-handed first baseman. Todd Helton and Mark Grace are All-Star glove men. Being a left-handed first baseman makes it easier to make a tag on runners and throw to second without having to pivot. In baseball in general there have been many great first baseman. In the past Steve Garvey won many Gold Gloves and he was a right-handed first baseman.

For first baseman running speed is not that important but lateral quickness is a necessity. A first baseman is generally a solid hitter with some power. Find yourself a guy with a little side-to-side quickness and a good glove and you’ve got yourself a first baseman.