What does the catcher do on a double with a runner on first?

The job, step by step

The job is the same idea on each play. The first one is shown in full; after it, only the steps that change.

Runner on first, double to the left-center gap · Runner on first, double down the left-field line

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

   Stay at the plate. Line the shortstop up with your voice and arm so the throw comes in straight, and give him a target.

2. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Make the call, early and once: “Cut 4!” if the runner is coming home, “Cut hold!” if he is not, “Cut 3!” if the batter-runner tries for third, “Cut 2!” for the backdoor. Step into fair territory in front of the plate to take the throw.

3. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   Block the plate only once you have the ball, then tag the runner. If the ball is cut, call the next throw and keep the lead runner honest.

Runner on first, double to the right-center gap · Runner on first, double down the right-field line: what changes

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

   Stay at the plate. Line the second baseman up with your voice and arm so the throw comes in straight, and give him a target.

Runners on first and second, double to the left-center gap · Runners on first and second, double down the left-field line: what changes

1. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Make the call, early and once: “Cut 4!” if the lead runner is coming home, “Cut 3!” if he will score anyway and the trail runner is heading for third, “Cut hold!” if nobody is going, “Cut 2!” for the backdoor. Step into fair territory in front of the plate to take the throw.

Runners on first and second, double to the right-center gap · Runners on first and second, double down the right-field line: what changes

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

   Stay at the plate. Line the second baseman up with your voice and arm so the throw comes in straight, and give him a target.

2. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Make the call, early and once: “Cut 4!” if the lead runner is coming home, “Cut 3!” if he will score anyway and the trail runner is heading for third, “Cut hold!” if nobody is going, “Cut 2!” for the backdoor. Step into fair territory in front of the plate to take the throw.

Who you work with

• SSShortstop is the relay man on the left side
• 2BSecond baseman is the relay man on the right side
• 3BThird baseman repeats your call to the relay man

Common mistakes

• Calling late.

  The relay man has to know where the ball is going before it reaches him. Call early and once.

• Setting up on the plate.

  Take the throw in fair territory in front of the plate, out of the runner’s path, and block only once the ball is in your glove.

The plays

Each one opens the full play: every position's job, the coaching points and the animation.

• Takes the throw, makes the callRunner on first, double to the left-center gap
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunner on first, double down the left-field line
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunner on first, double to the right-center gap
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunner on first, double down the right-field line
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunners on first and second, double to the left-center gap
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunners on first and second, double down the left-field line
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunners on first and second, double to the right-center gap
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunners on first and second, double down the right-field line

Test yourself

Questions from the app's Learn sessions. Pick your answer, then check it.

1. Double with the throw going home. Who repeats the catcher’s calls?

   1. A.The shortstop
   2. B.The pitcher
   3. C.The first baseman
   4. D.The third baseman
   Show the answerHide the answer

   D. The third baseman. The third baseman — he’s the catcher’s voice out to the relay man.

2. Double, runners on. Where does the throw go, and who runs it?

   1. A.To third; the third baseman runs it
   2. B.To second; the first baseman runs it
   3. C.Home; the catcher calls it, 3B repeats
   4. D.Home; the third baseman runs it from his bag
   Show the answerHide the answer

   C. Home; the catcher calls it, 3B repeats. Home. The catcher runs it and the third baseman repeats his calls.

3. Two runners, and the lead runner will score anyway. What does the catcher call?

   1. A.’Cut 4’ — cut it and throw home anyway
   2. B.’Cut 3’ — get the trail runner
   3. C.’Through’ — make the play at the plate
   4. D.Nothing — let the throw come in
   Show the answerHide the answer

   C. ’Through’ — make the play at the plate. ’Cut 3’ — get the trail runner.

More catcher jobs

• Backs up firstWhat does the catcher do on a single with nobody on?
• Holds the plate, repeats the callWhat does the catcher do on a single with a runner on first?
• Runs the play at the plateWhat does the catcher call on a single with a runner on second?
• Fields it or calls "One!"What does the catcher do on a bunt with nobody on?
• Calls "Two!" or "One!"What does the catcher call on a bunt with a runner on first?
• Calls "Three!" or "One!"What does the catcher call on a bunt with runners on first and second?
• Stays home for the tagWhat does the catcher do on a squeeze play?

The catcher on every play · All positions