Third sack is a term that has primarily been used in baseball, specifically referring to the position occupied by the player responsible for defending the base known as third base. In baseball, the fielding positions are typically numbered to maintain a standardized communication system. Third base, located on the left side of the infield, is assigned the number five, making the third baseman known as the "third sacker" or "third sack."
The term "third sack" is derived from the old baseball slang of referring to bases as "sacks" or "bags." The third baseman is an integral part of the defensive unit, positioned between the shortstop and the foul line. Their primary duty is to make timely and accurate throws to the other bases, ensure the runner is unable to advance, catch line drives, and field ground balls hit in their direction.
Furthermore, the third sacker is often involved in strategic decisions, such as positioning the defense against certain hitters, depending on pitch count, game situation, or batter tendencies. Their impact is not limited to the defensive aspect alone; the third baseman also contributes offensively and participates in hitting plays, providing scoring opportunities for their team.
Overall, the term "third sack" is a baseball term predominantly used to describe the position of the player defending third base, also known as the third baseman, who plays a crucial role in both the defensive and offensive aspects of the game.
