Glossary
Steal coverage
Steal coverage is the defense's decision, made before the pitch, about which middle infielder covers second base if the runner steals.
When a runner on first steals, the catcher throws to second, and either the shortstop or the second baseman has to be there to take it. The other one stays home to field a ball hit through the infield. If both go, the batter has a big hole to hit through; if neither does, the throw goes into center field.
The usual rule is that the fielder away from where the batter tends to hit covers. With a right-handed batter, who is more likely to pull the ball toward the shortstop, the second baseman covers. With a left-handed batter the shortstop covers. Coaches change that for a batter who hits the other way, and in fastpitch for a slapper.
The middle infielders settle it between pitches with a sign hidden behind the glove, often an open mouth for "I have it" and a closed mouth for "you have it". Some teams take the decision out of their hands: the coach calls 2B Cover Steal or Shortstop Cover Steal from the dugout, and the infielders read it from the wristband.
When to call it
- A right-handed pull hitter at the plate: the second baseman covers.
- A left-handed batter: the shortstop covers.
- A batter who hits the ball the other way, or a fastpitch slapper: the coach calls the coverage from the dugout.
Put it on a card: Baseball and softball signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who covers second base on a steal?
Usually the second baseman with a right-handed batter and the shortstop with a left-handed batter, so the fielder on the side the batter is likely to hit to stays in position. Teams change it for the hitter, the count and the runner.
How do the middle infielders signal who is covering?
One of them shows a sign to the other behind the glove, so only they can see it. An open mouth and a closed mouth is a common pair.
More in the glossary
Start free. Upgrade when your season needs it.
The free plan includes one team and one of each document type, with no license fee and no credit card. Paid plans start at $2.50 a month billed annually, cancel anytime.
No credit card required. Free plan available.