The boy who plays 3rd base need not be as fast a runner as the second baseman or shortstop, but he cannot have lead in his feet or slow hands and do a good job at that spot. Furthermore, he needs a strong and accurate arm and he wants to be as good on ground balls and pop-ups as anyone else in the infield.

With no one on, the third baseman’s normal fielding position is about six feet back of 3rd and about 10 feet inside the line. With a runner on 1st, he probably should move in a few steps to have a better chance at the double play. If he suspects a bunt, his standing position should be parallel to the base.

With a runner on 3rd, the third baseman should be almost parallel to the base and eight to ten feet inside the line. This is the best spot from which to handle throws-not in front and not behind. Runner or no runner, however, the third baseman’s big job is to “guard the line”. Any ball that gets by him along the foul line is usually good for two bases.

Third base is often called the “hot corner” because a great many batted balls travel toward 3rd at terrific speed. Because of this, infield play at 3rd is somewhat different from other positions. On hard smashes the third baseman can use a “trap” position. He sits on his heels, puts his glove on the ground with elbows between the knees and leans forward slightly. If directly in front of the ball in this position, the third baseman can block it, or field it cleanly then hop up and throw. Baseball Training - Read More.