Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Baseball) The defensive player whose position is at first base: This player's primary responsibility is to field balls hit near first base and to receive throws from other infielders to record outs at first base. The first baseman is a key member of the infield defense.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The first baseman caught the line drive for the final out.
  • A tall player with good reach is often well-suited to be a first baseman.
  • The manager decided to switch the first baseman and the designated hitter in the lineup.

Advanced Usage

• "Gold Glove first baseman": A first baseman who has won the Gold Glove Award, given annually to the best defensive player at each position in Major League Baseball.
  • He is considered a Gold Glove first baseman for his exceptional fielding.

Variants and Related Words

• First base (n): The base that the first baseman defends; it is the first of the four bases to be touched by a runner.
• First sack (n, informal): A colloquial term for the position of first base or the first baseman.
• Infielder (n): A general term for a defensive player whose position is in the infield (e.g., first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, third baseman).

Synonyms

• First sacker (informal)
• Cornerman (can refer to either the first baseman or third baseman, as they play at the corners of the infield)

Related Phrases

• To play first: To play the position of first baseman.
  • After the injury, she was asked to play first for the remainder of the game.
• Stretch at first: Refers to the first baseman's movement to catch a wide throw while keeping a foot on first base.
  • The shortstop's throw was wild, but the first baseman made a great stretch to save the error.

Noun

1. (baseball) the person who plays first base