Why do PROFESSIONAL baseball players slide head first into 1st?

Frickin Mac and it's unavailable images

I guess the idea is that you're launching yourself at the bag, hence you get their quicker.

Avoid a tag

Do you even baseball?

apparently they don't even sports science

First off, did you downvote both of us?


Secondly, sure, that would make sense IF the runner knew the throw was off, but that's typically not why they slide headfirst. It's usually off a bunt or an infield hit and they are trying to beat the throw.

I know what you're saying, but what I said is the only viable reason to slide into first. If the first baseman was looking up for the throw or bracing to jump, I slid


ETA: I didn't downvote

I'm gonna drop a little more knowledge so you know I know how to baseball. When you're on first and going to steal (assuming a righty on the mound), the only thing you should be looking at is the pitcher's right heel. If anything below the neck moves before that foot, you go

I've always said it's faster if you dive and hit the ground and the bag at the same time (i.e. no friction from you actually sliding). But if you slide five feet out and physically slide into the bag, then obviously it's slower.