Bases loaded, 1 out. 5 run inning limit with 5 on 3rd. Close game 5th inning.

Ball hit to pitcher..what should the pitcher do?

Every position in the infield should already know where they are going on any ball hit to the infield, in most cases go for a double play. Where would depend on what base the slowest runners are and the bases covered by the infielders with the strong arms.

On ball hit to pitcher in most cases go for 2, second then first.

I agree, depends on the runners and also the arms of the third baseman and first baseman. One more thing, does your catcher know he has to be on the mat for the force?

First thing load bases up unless it's a real weak part of order. Than what we do is go to 5 man infield and try to turn two. You be surprised how well this works.

also depends how hard hit back to the pitcher, weather or not to go home or turn a double play.

We play 5 man about 99% of the time, I agree it helps on double plays.

Depends on the details. What are the runners like? What are your defenders like? Where exactly was the ball hit and how hard?

The most likely DP would be the standard 2B to 1B as the players are accustomed to this play.

In some cases in senior ball, the 3B then home would be the best play. It's a "force" play and a runner can't really beat a run down in that situation.

The least likely DP would be home first because....well catchers are not know for their arm strength.

One thing I try to do as runner on 3B with bases loaded is just step off the bag if ball is hit to F5.

They tag the base before they tag you, the force is off.

Wayne, I do play some third-most third basemen know to just go ahead and touch the base and chase you to the commitment line and lob it to the catcher for the double play. Maybe a good play would be to hold the bag and see if the fielder might make the mistake of touching the bag before he touches the runner, thereby making the runner safe. Either way-you should be toast!

No question I load the bases. Then depending on hitter try to get him with a change up or drop curve for a ground ball for DP or pop up. If pop up then I would do the same thing for next batter.

Also depends on ump on what I can get away with high or low pitch.

ham 24 and fred S. per original post bases are already loaded

If the ball is hit straight back to the pitcher the quickest move is home because the pitcher does'nt have to take time to turn around to throw. The catcher has a clear throw to third because the runner coming home runs to the outside of home plate. Left field needs to make sure it backs up third. Bip,Bam,Boom!

Titanhd: That is why I am getting new glasses. LOL

Interesting thread. It just dawned on me that there may be another alternative. If the third baseman is not too deep, a quick throw to third, and then to home might work very well as a planned play. Especially if the catchers arm is suspect or you don't trust the double play combination up the middle.

In this case, the play has to be made at home. You have to get the sure out, then if it's a right hand hitter I'd go to first unless you ( catcher ) see you have a shot at third which is an easier throw for the catcher. The throw to first usually requires a step towards the shortstop so as to avoid the runner running down the first base line. A throw to any other base would require a sure double play or the run would score, you have to take the sure out and prevent the run from scoring.

Webbie25 ~ You don't have to move off the base.

Most F5's I know will get excited, and touch the base first. I'm standing on it. Might as well try to lead to confusion if I'm going to be toast.....LOL