The Unwritten Ritual: Why the First Baseman is Skipped during Around the Horn Tosses

When the catcher throws the ball around the infield after a strikeout, the first baseman is often skipped. This ritual, known as the ldquo;Around the Hornrdquo; toss, is a fascinating tradition in the sport of baseball. The reasons for this skip are both practical and rooted in respect for the game and its players.

Practical Reasons for the Skip

Firstly, the primary reason the first baseman is skipped during the Around the Horn toss is practical. The first baseman is typically the player closest to the catcher and is usually involved in the play at first base for the strikeout. By skipping the first baseman, the game can maintain a faster pace and keep the infielders' arms warm without redundancy.

Moreover, the Around the Horn ritual serves a practical purpose. It keeps all infielders involved, even if they are momentarily unused. This helps maintain the speed and flow of the game, which can sometimes be slow, especially when the pitcher is often striking out batters. By tossing the ball around, the players can stretch and warm their arms, ensuring they are ready for any potential plays.

Respect and Tradition

The practice of skipping the first baseman during the Around the Horn toss also has deep roots in respect for the game and its players. One significant example involves Lou Gehrig, the great first baseman for the New York Yankees. When his symptoms of ALS worsened, causing him to struggle with gripping the ball, the Yankees decided to skip him during these tosses. This gesture, a sign of respect, was noticed and emulated by other teams to honor Gehrig's legacy.

This act of respect is a testament to the unspoken traditions and the human aspect of the game of baseball. It shows how players and teams can honor the greats and show empathy, even in the fast-paced environment of competition.

Other Reasons for the Ritual

Baseball players and coaches have noted several other reasons for maintaining this ritual. For instance, the ritual helps the pitchers catch their breath. Even a few seconds of rest can make a significant difference, especially in high-intensity games. The Catcher also has an opportunity to communicate with the Manager, either verbally or through hand signals, during these tosses.

Additionally, the Around the Horn toss allows for a dynamic sequence of throws, sometimes moving in reverse or skipping certain players. This variation can be seen in plays such as Catcher to 1st Baseman, 1st Baseman to SS, SS to 2nd Baseman, 2nd Baseman to 3rd Baseman, and back to Pitcher. These alternative sequences ensure that each player gets an equal chance to catch and throw the ball, maintaining their arm strength and agility.

However, it's important to note that some of the more unusual sequences, such as Catcher to 3rd Baseman to SS to 2nd Baseman to 3rd Baseman back to Pitcher, are less common and are generally viewed as less efficient for maintaining the flow of the game.

Conclusion

Baseball, unlike many other sports, relies heavily on these unwritten traditions and rituals. The Around the Horn toss, with the occasional skip of the first baseman, is just one example of how the game is both a competitive sport and a deeply ceremonial one. These rituals serve to maintain the rhythm of the game, respect great players, and keep the players engaged and ready for action.

As we can see, the Around the Horn toss is more than just a series of throws; it's a testament to the rich and complex nature of baseball. Whether out of practical necessity or out of respect for the game's history, this ritual remains an integral part of baseball tradition.