Fielding Tips - Touching the Runner. Infielders realise the danger of being spiked by baserunners. When a runner is stealing, "Buddy" Myer of the Washing-ton Senators, will dash for the bag, hug-ging it between his feet and facing the runner as he prepares to take the throw from his catcher. Thus the saw dust filled base protects his feet from the sharp spikes while also giving him a steady, firm footing. After taking the throw, Myer holds the ball a foot or two in front of the bag and close to the ground so that the runner slides in and, literally, touches himself out. Do not make the mistake of reaching to meet the runner or in trying to touch him on the body, lest he slide safely underneath the ball.