Relays and throws
Backdoor play
A backdoor play is a throw behind a runner who has rounded a base too far, to catch him before he gets back. The most common is "Cut 2": the cutoff or relay man throws to second behind a batter-runner who rounded it.
Runners round bases hard and sometimes turn their back on the ball. The defense wins those outs by having someone on the base behind the runner and someone watching for it.
- On a single, the middle infielder who isn't the cutoff takes the bag at second. "Cut 2" turns the cutoff into a throw behind the runner.
- On a double, the first baseman trails the batter-runner to second and is on the bag as he rounds it, and the trailer makes the call.
- On a bunt, the center fielder backs up a throw from first to second for a batter-runner who rounds first too far.
Anyone on the field can yell "Backdoor!" to get the cutoff or relay man looking for it.
Free to start
Watch every play, then quiz yourself on it
No card, no password. Game Situations and a daily Learn session are free.