Baseball Basics - Part Three

Field Positions


The Pitcher [P]
The Pitcher throws the ball at speeds to up 100mph, and uses a variety of pitches to deceive the abtter: curveballs, sliders and knuckleballs among them.

The Catcher [C]
The Catcher squats behind home plate and uses a special padded glove - "the catcher's mit" - to give the pitcher a target in teh strike zone. He uses hand signals to tell the pitcher what type of pitch to throw, and sometimes relays signals from the bench. He must have a strong arm to stop runners stealing bases, and is the last line of defense at the home plate. Catchers wear facemasks, chest protectors and shin guards as protection.

The Infielders

The First Baseman [1B]
Speed over distance isn't vital for a first baseman, but quick reactions are. He covers the ground to the right of the base, and offers a target for the throws of the other infielders. This is the only infield position occupied by left-handed throwers, since the first baseman nearly always has to throw to his right.

The Second Baseman [2B]
The key attribute for a second baseman is the ability to act as a pivot: taking a throw from another infiedler at second base to force out a runner then spinning to relay the throw to first base for a double play. He has to be fast over the ground, but most hitters are right-handed so more balls are hit to the left side of the infield.

The Third Baseman [3B]
This infielder operates at what is called the 'hot corner', because of the speed with which batters can hit a ball down the third base line. Since the third baseman generally plays closer to the plate than any other infielder, he needs quick reflexes and the ability to knock a ball down with his body and still make the play. Good third baseman cut in front of the shotstop to make quick plays - they need a quick release and a strong arm to get the ball to first base.

The Shortstop [SS]
A baseball team's most athletic player generally occupies this position. He faces the largest number of balls hit; he has to cover the most infield territory and has to throw the furthest to first base. Quickness, balance and a strong arm are all necessary, as well as the ability to time a double play with the second baseman.

The Outfielders

The Centre Fielder [CF]
The quickest of the three outfielders and the best athlete, the centre fielder usually has the most ground to covers of all the fielders.

The Right Fielder [RF]
The longest throws to the third base and home plate are made from the right, so the right fielder usually has the strongest arm of all the outfielders.

The Left Fielder [LF]
In this position a player has to excel at running down balls hit along the ground.