Double Play

A double play is a defensive play in which two offensive players are put out during one continuous action. It's often called a "twin killing" and is considered a pitcher's best friend for getting out of jams.

Common Double Play Types

Ground Ball Double Plays

• 6-4-3: Shortstop to second baseman to first baseman (most common)
• 4-6-3: Second baseman to shortstop to first baseman
• 5-4-3: Third baseman to second baseman to first baseman
• 3-6-3: First baseman to shortstop to first baseman
• 1-6-3: Pitcher to shortstop to first baseman

Other Double Plays

• Line drive DP: Catch a liner and throw to double off a runner
• Strikeout + caught stealing: Catcher throws out a stealing runner
• Fly ball DP: Catch and throw out a tagging runner

How the 6-4-3 Works

The classic double play:

1. Ground ball hit to shortstop (6)
2. Shortstop throws to second baseman (4) covering the bag
3. Second baseman touches second for the force, then throws to first (3)
4. First baseman catches for the second out

The Pivot

The "pivot" is the throw from second to first. It's dangerous because:

• The runner is sliding toward the fielder
• The throw must be quick and accurate
• The fielder must avoid collision while throwing

GIDP (Grounded Into Double Play)

GIDP is a batter's statistic tracking how often they hit into double plays. Slow runners who hit a lot of ground balls tend to have high GIDP numbers.