3-6-3 Double Play

Most of those who do not know baseball well enough put too much weight on the role of the batter or hitter for the game’s outcome. The defense though, done by the fielders, is equally exciting and is crucial in winning the game. Double plays are crucial in the success of a team’s performance. Executed by the first baseman or in baseball the position number 3 and the shortstop or the position number 6, the 3-6-3 is an exciting play to retire the batter and a runner.

The 3-6-3 Double Play

The play occurs when a ground ball is hit to the first baseman. The 3 catches the ball and immediately throws it to the shortstop covering the bag in the base to force out the runner going for the second base. The 4 quickly throws back the ball to the first baseman, while the first baseman steps on the bag. Another scenario is where the baseman has his foot already on the first base while he catches the ball or after he catches it to retire the batter.

One may ask, why does the first baseman step first on the bag and out the batter first instead of passing the ball to the shortstop? In baseball, it is a fact that runners get to the base faster compared to the batter. For this, the play prefers to out the base runner first, and the batter second.

The Role of the 3 and the 6

Double plays such as this may look easy, but its perfect execution requires a lot of practice and the players must be skilled for the position. Since the first base is where a lot of the traffic in the field occurs, the first baseman must be a good catcher and fielder. Considering that the shortstop covers the second and third bases, one must be a versatile defensive player who can field well, is fast, and has range. He must also have a strong arm.

Variants to the 3-6-3

There are different variants to this double play, differing only with the player covering the first base. Some of those are the 3-6-1 double play where the pitcher covers for the first baseman, and the 3-6-4 double play where the second baseman covers the first base.