re: First baseman had wrong foot on the bag restricting his ability to stretch for the throw

quote:

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With your vast knowledge of the techniques of playing first base, you should do the LSU nation a favor and demand a try out with the team. If that doesn't work, demand you replace CJJ immediately.

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Unlike many on this board I don't have a coaching license. I do know that Jones technique on that throw didn't succeed. Had he executed as I suggested it is very possible he could have gotten the out or at worse stopped the ball from leaving the field and allowing the winning run to score.

I checked multiple videos with major leaguers and coaches teaching first base fundamentals and all state the fielder should locate the base and place both heels on the inside of the base. Then when the throw is made slid the foot on the non glove hand side to the CORNER of the bag. Again as I said he should be in a semi crouch position with the glove about chest high ready to move as needed if the throw is not on target.

The ONLY time the first baseman should place the left foot against the bag to give a clear window is when the catcher is throwing from right in front of the plate on a bunt or a tapped ball. The throw on Friday night was from the middle of the diamond near the mound and more often would be a thro from the pitcher. The regular foot placement that I advocated would have been correct.

The results of the play speak for themselves. I cannot conclusively state Jones would have caught the ball had he used different footwork but the throw as seen from the video angle appears to be close enough to have been caught. He would at least have had a better chance. Obviously what he did left no chance.