Covering a base - Definition and Overview

In baseball, part of the infielders' job is to cover bases. That is, they stand next to a base—on a force play or appeal play with one foot on the base.

In general, the first baseman covers first base, the second baseman or shortstop covers second, the third baseman covers third, and the catcher covers home base. On balls to the first baseman, the pitcher or second baseman might cover instead.

With baserunners on first and second, sometimes the shortstop will cover third on a bunt, known as the "rotation play".

Of course, depending on the situation various fielders can cover any base, sometimes an outfielder can even cover a base.