When can players slide to 1st base?

Question

I see them doing this once in a while... not too often. A Boston player did this last night to get the game winning run.

Answer 1

They can do it whenever they are going to first, there is no rule saying they cannot do it. However, it tends to actually slow you down vs. just running through the bag. One good time to do it is if the throw from the infielder is going to draw the first baseman off the bag. Sliding will help you to avoid the tag from the first baseman. Otherwise, it's likely in the runners best interest to just run by. (Also: many MLBers who do slide do so head-first and do it just to look cool, not for any special reason.)

Answer 2

A player can slide into first base anytime. A slide usually slows a player down so it is not wise to slide into first base most of the time since the base can be overrun safely. A good time to slide might be to avoid a tag by a first baseman drawn off of the bag to catch a throw. If the player is already on first and a pitcher tries to pick him off, then it is advisable to slide or dive back to the base.

Answer 3

The better question is why would anyone ever want to slide into first? -- with second & third you need to stay on the bag so that you can't be tagged out, and at homeplate you're usually trying to evade a tag by sliding -- since you can over-run 1st and not have to worry about being tagged there is no reason to slide, as it slows you down as you have to break your stride and you are additionally slowed by the friction that occurs when you lower body slides along the ground -- however as many above have stated, you can do it whenever you want

Answer 4

The batter-runner can slide into first anytime he wants; there's no rule regulating the practice.

However, sliding slows a batter-runner down severely and the player would be serving himself best by simply running through the bag. But there is one situation in which a batter-runner would want to slide: to avoid a swipe tag after an errant throw to first on the home plate side of the bag.

Answer 5

A base runner can choose to slide as he see fits. Where first base is concerned, however, the runners are allowed to overrun the base. So as sliding creates more drag, it actually slows you down faster. Hence, the grand majority of base runners choose instead to run.

In cases where base runners choose to slide into first, I can only assume it's because they don't understand the physics involved or they are in a situation where they feel if they lunge for the bag, they will beat out the throw.

Answer 6

They can do it whenever they like, however, it's not always the safest thing to do, and most of the time, running through the base (because besides home, this is the only one you can) can usually be faster. It's the same with sliding into home head first, not a smart idea, but you can.

Answer 7

you can slide into first whenever you want....not a lot of people do it because it slows you don't and you lose momentum...also there is the possibility that you could get hurt (finger might get stepped on or the first baseman might trip and land on you)...players slide into first and if they are close enough and it's gonna be a close play. It's better to run through the bag though...

Answer 8

You can slide into first anytime you want but the appropriate time to do it is when it is either a close play or more so when the 1st basemen has to come off the bag and you are trying to avoid a tag

Answer 9

They can do it whenever, however it is not always a smart decision because you should always runt hrough first base as fast as possible to ensure your safety on the bag. Sliding can slow you down and cause you to be out. However, when leading off in baseball or softball, you may find yourself in a situation where it is necessary to dive headfirst back into first.

Answer 10

They can do this whenever they want. It's not always the smartest move, but it can work. Watch Nick Punto for the Twins, the guy slides into first like once every three games.