What does the catcher call on a single with a runner on second?

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 second, single to left field

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

   Stay at the plate. Line the third 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: “Through!” if there is a play at the plate — always say it, silence is ambiguous; “Cut hold!” if there is not; “Cut 3!”, “Cut 2!” or “Cut 1!” if a runner has drifted too far. 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 second, single to center field · Runner on second, single to right field: what changes

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

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

Runners on first and second, single to left field: what changes

1. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Make the call, early and once: “Through!” if there is a play on the lead runner at the plate — always say it, silence is ambiguous; “Cut 3!” if he will score anyway and the trail runner is heading for third; “Cut hold!” if nobody is going; “Cut 2!” or “Cut 1!” if a runner has drifted too far. Step into fair territory in front of the plate to take the throw.

Runners on first and second, single to center field · Runners on first and second, single to right field: what changes

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

   Stay at the plate. Line the first 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: “Through!” if there is a play on the lead runner at the plate — always say it, silence is ambiguous; “Cut 3!” if he will score anyway and the trail runner is heading for third; “Cut hold!” if nobody is going; “Cut 2!” or “Cut 1!” if a runner has drifted too far. Step into fair territory in front of the plate to take the throw.

Who you work with

• 3BThird baseman is the cutoff man on a ball to left
• 1BFirst baseman is the cutoff man on balls to center and right
• PPitcher backs up the plate from the first-base side

Common mistakes

• Saying nothing when the throw should come through.

  Always say “Through.” Silence is ambiguous, and a cutoff man who isn’t sure will cut a throw that had the runner beat.

• Blocking the plate before the ball arrives.

  Set up in fair territory in front of the plate until you have the ball. Block the plate only once you have it, then make the tag.

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 second, single to left field
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunner on second, single to center field
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunner on second, single to right field
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunners on first and second, single to left field
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunners on first and second, single to center field
• Takes the throw, makes the callRunners on first and second, single to right field

Test yourself

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

1. Runner on second, single. Who runs the play at the plate?

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

   C. The catcher. The catcher: Through, Cut hold, Cut 3, Cut 2 or Cut 1.

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?
• Lines up the relay, makes the callWhat does the catcher do on a double with a runner on first?
• 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