Britannica Sources used in this answer

What signals does a third-base coach give to base runners?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, wearing a white uniform and helmet, watches his hit while holding a bat during a game at Dodger Stadium. — Baseball Freddie Freeman, shown here in a 2023 game, was named World Series MVP in 2024 after hitting four home runs and driving in 12 runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In baseball, the third-base coach is an on-field assistant who helps manage offensive strategy by relaying signals from the dugout to batters and base runners.

The primary responsibility of the third-base coach regarding base runners is to provide visual cues that dictate whether a runner should stop at second or third base, or continue running toward the next base or home plate. These signals are essential for coordinating the movement of runners to maximize scoring opportunities while minimizing the risk of being put out by the defense.1