Sliding into first base (softball or baseball)

[Cynomys]

In yesterday's Super-Regional softball game between the U. of Washington and Oklahoma Sooners, Jenn Salling led off for the UW in the 1st inning. She put the ball in play in the infield and as she approached first base in what was obviously going to be a very close play, she executed a sliding head first dive into the bag. The throw, in the event, was a bit errant and she was safe.

I have seen this done often in softball, less so in baseball. My question is: does the batter-runner arrive any quicker at first base due to the slide?

 

[dklaiman]

According to most commentators, it's faster to keep running full speed than it is to slide. The only reason to slide would be an errant throw to first on the home plate side of the bag--you may need to slide to avoid the tag.

 

[texbilly]

According to most commentators, it's faster to keep running full speed than it is to slide. The only reason to slide would be an errant throw to first on the home plate side of the bag--you may need to slide to avoid the tag.

+1. It just makes sense the runner's speed will slow a bit to launch into a slide.

 

[richmondesi]

It is certainly faster to continue to run, that's not debatable. However, there are times when it makes sense to do a head first slide into first base. When the runner is busting it down the line, he should be reading the feet of the first-baseman, if the throw is high, he may jump and try to swipe the runner as he goes by. If the runner sees this happening, a head first slide can be used to avoid the tag. Otherwise, it's what we refer to as "false-hussle" meaning that you like the effort, but it's just not the right play.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[Blue_2]

It is certainly faster to continue to run, that's not debatable. However, there are times when it makes sense to do a head first slide into first base. When the runner is busting it down the line, he should be reading the feet of the first-baseman, if the throw is high, he may jump and try to swipe the runner as he goes by. If the runner sees this happening, a head first slide can be used to avoid the tag. Otherwise, it's what we refer to as "false-hussle" meaning that you like the effort, but it's just not the right play.

Cheers,

Paul

Well said!

You're able to overrun first base, so it's blatantly faster than sliding. It was either false hustle or a bad call by the first base coach.

 

[TimmyBoston]

It is certainly faster to continue to run, that's not debatable. However, there are times when it makes sense to do a head first slide into first base. When the runner is busting it down the line, he should be reading the feet of the first-baseman, if the throw is high, he may jump and try to swipe the runner as he goes by. If the runner sees this happening, a head first slide can be used to avoid the tag. Otherwise, it's what we refer to as "false-hussle" meaning that you like the effort, but it's just not the right play.

Cheers,

Paul

Paul's right and when actually asking about playing the game, he's the man.

 

[DolimiteB]

It is certainly faster to continue to run, that's not debatable. However, there are times when it makes sense to do a head first slide into first base. When the runner is busting it down the line, he should be reading the feet of the first-baseman, if the throw is high, he may jump and try to swipe the runner as he goes by. If the runner sees this happening, a head first slide can be used to avoid the tag. Otherwise, it's what we refer to as "false-hussle" meaning that you like the effort, but it's just not the right play.

Cheers,

Paul

+another 1. Excellent point, Paul. Sliding into first headfirst is what you do when you're in the Manager's doghouse and you just want to show that you'll risk injury for the team even if it isn't the smartest move. Think of sliding into first as the NFL equivalent of the kicker chasing the return man even after the kick returner has opened up a 20 yard gap. There's no point and the kicker might pull a hammy.