Situational Chess
Runner on first, one out, ground ball to second.
👉 Why might the fielder NOT throw to first?
To try for a double play at second.
Why do infielders fake throws sometimes?
To freeze runners or force mistakes.
Why should runners look at the coach after the pitch, not before?
Signs can change based on the pitch or play.
Why do pitchers change looks or timing?
To keep runners from stealing.
What is the distance between bases in Major League Baseball?
90 feet.
Tie game, runner on third, two outs, ground ball hit slowly to third.
👉 What’s the smartest play?
Take the sure out at first; don’t rush the throw home.
Runner on first, two outs, fly ball to outfield.
👉 Why should the outfielder still throw hard?
To prevent runners from tagging or taking extra bases.
Runner on first, ball hits the dirt in front of the plate.
👉 What should the runner do?
Read the ball — don’t go unless it gets away.
Catcher calls time but pitcher ignores it.
👉 Why might that be okay?
Pitcher already committed to the pitch.
This team has won more World Series titles than any other MLB team.
New York Yankees
Runner on second, no outs, shallow fly ball to right.
👉 What should the runner do and why?
Tag halfway; don’t get doubled off.
Ground ball hit to you and the runner from third breaks late.
👉 What mistake do young players often make?
Rushing the throw instead of setting their feet before the throw..
You’re on second, two outs, ball is hit in front of you.
👉 What’s your rule?
Go on contact.
Runner on second keeps peeking into the dugout.
👉 What does that tell you?
They might be stealing signs.
Which of these teams has never won a World Series, despite reaching the playoffs multiple times? (PADRES • YANKEES • BLUE JAYS • DODGERS)
San Diego Padres
Runner on third, one out, infield in. Hard ground ball to shortstop.
👉 What’s the best decision?
Go home only if the play is clean; otherwise take the sure out at first.
You’re the cutoff man and the throw is off-line.
👉 What’s your priority?
Stop the ball first, then make the next smart throw.
Runner on third, pop-up near the infield.
👉 Why is tagging dangerous here?
Ball might drop and you could get doubled off.
Why might a catcher set up outside with a runner on third?
To prevent a pulled ground ball.
Which Blue Jays star won the Home Run Derby twice and is the son of a former MLB player?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Late game, winning run on third, two outs, full count.
👉 What should the runner be thinking before the pitch?
Be ready to react on contact or ball four; no hesitation.
Runner on third, one out, ball hit to the outfield.
👉 Why should the outfielder throw to a cutoff instead of home sometimes?
To stop runners from advancing and avoid bad throws.
You round third and see the coach waving late.
👉 What’s the hardest but smartest decision?
Trust the stop sign if it comes — late signs matter.
Late game, pitcher is tired but still throwing strikes.
👉 Why might the coach leave them in?
Control matters more than velocity.
Which Yankees position is traditionally expected to be a power hitter and why?
First base (run production).