3rd base and shortstop throws to 1st base

[David Carter]

I think it is b/c they have so stinkin' long to make a throw they can take their time....reset and make a throw..
And not relevant to softball...no time to add this extra movement....

I can't link to the video but if you go to the sticky thread in this forum under Model Fielding and look at the 4th video 5-3 you will see this happens in softball to...basically if you get a hotshot and the batter is not even half way down the line this little tap forces you to gather yourself and make a good throw

 

[Dtwn92]

I always knew it as a gathering movement. My DD watches MLB with me and goes crazy that they seem to have all the extra time to tap the mitt on the way to making the throw. She is used to and sees have fast the softball throw must be made.

Thanks for the lings to the SI article and the twecks baseball blog. Very good stuff.