Is it ok to field with one hand?

I learned long ago that there are (almost) no absolutes in baseball.  Tell a player that he absolutely cannot/should not do something and that player will undoubtedly see a guy on TV successfully doing what you said cannot/should not be done.  

Today’s post is another example of that.

Virtually every coach in the world teaches players to field the ball with two hands.  I’m included in that group when it comes to routine plays.  I talked about this in a recent podcast episode when I explained the importance of the fielder keeping his top/bare hand in front of his face (sort of) for safety reasons, especially for younger players on poor fields.  However, as with most everything else in the game, there are always exceptions.

One of the few disadvantages for tall players is that it can be difficult to stay down on the ball.  Tall infielders have to widen their feet more than most to get the glove on the ground.  Longer legs make that tougher to do.

The last couple decades in baseball has produced numerous shortstops who are significantly taller than their predecessors at that position.  I grew up watching Ozzie Smith (5’9″) and Larry Bowa ( 5’9″).  The next generation watched Troy Tulowitski (6’3″) and Alex Rodriguez (6’3″).  Today’s players get to watch Carlos Correa (6’4″).

The shortstop position has always demanded range and quick and efficient footwork, transitions, and throws.  Being tall makes some of that more difficult.  Some players (especially Carlos Correa from what I have noticed) have adjusted by fielding more balls with only their glove hand.  Doing so can make it easier on the tall player to get the glove out front and down on the ball. Second basemen and third basemen don’t typically have to do this due to having more time on plays.

There is always a downside which is why we coaches most often do not teach one-handed fielding.  However, given a certain set of variables like a nice field, good athletic ability, great eye-hand coordination, a need to be quicker, and possibly a very tall shortstop, the one-handed approach can be effective if practiced enough.

There is no one-size-fits-all in baseball.

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