Third basemen fill a crucial, but often overlooked role. (Warm Up Tosses).(baseball)

IN THE MATTER OF DEFENSE, SHORTSTOPS, CATCHERS AND CENTER FIELDERS have always been considered the most vital position players in baseball, and as a result generate more attention for their skills than generally accorded other glovemen.

With that being the case, there has been a tendency among some fans through the years to neglect third basemen as crucial components to winning games.

"A dastardly oversight!" exclaims Doctor R.U. Loony, the eminent psychologist who ranks as our favorite expert on baseball and other life concerns.

"Without a good third baseman behind them, pitchers are liable to get a terrible case of nervous indigestion, and that can lead to all sorts of bad things, like soaring earned run averages and fights with their wives or girl friends."

Thank you, doctor, for your timeless observation.

Third basemen certainly fill a critical role on the field, Despite their frequent lack of proportionate recognition, however, it can't be denied they occupy a spot that appropriately has been called "the hot corner."

In view of that designation, they not only have to be fearless, but quick as well and be endowed with a keen sense of anticipation.