Sports
Player Positions
Back to Sports
Back to Baseball
Baseball Rules Player
Positions Baseball
Strategy Baseball
Glossary
The positions in baseball are primarily defensive. On the offensive side all the players become hitters when it's their turn at bat.
Positions on the baseball field
Source: Ducksters
The defensive baseball positions can be divided into three main categories: 1) the battery 2) infielders 3) outfielders.
The Baseball Battery
The pitcher and the catcher are the two baseball players that make up the battery.
The pitcher is located on the pitching mound in the center of the baseball infield. The pitcher throws or pitches the ball over or near home plate to the catcher. The batter stands in the batters box and tries to hit the baseball. Play starts with the pitcher. Pitchers are the most important player on the defense. All play starts with how well the pitcher can get the batter to miss the baseball. Pitchers try to throw strikes, but also try to throw the baseball where the batter cannot hit it. Pitchers typically have a certain style or type of pitch that they have mastered. Some pitchers try to overpower the batter with fast balls. Other pitchers throw baseballs that curve or drop as to make the batter swing at the baseball in the wrong place. Either way, good pitching is always the best defense. Pitchers also play defense around the mound when a baseball is hit.
The catcher is located behind home plate. The catcher's main role is to catch the baseball when the batter misses or doesn't swing at it. The catcher usually squats down and puts the glove right where the pitcher is trying to throw as to give the pitcher a good target. Catchers usually give signals to the pitcher on where to pitch the ball and the type of pitch to make. Catchers also play defense around home plate and cover home plate for defense.
The Baseball Infielders
There are four players that make up the baseball infield: 1) first baseman 2) second baseman 3) shortstop 4) third baseman. These players shift positions quite often depending on the situation, but in general, the first baseman covers first base and plays just inside first base and a few feet back. The third baseman covers third base and plays just inside third base and a few feet back. The second baseman plays between first and second base usually more towards second base. The shortstop plays between second and third base usually more towards second base. Both the shortstop and second baseman share the roles of covering second base depending on the situation and where the ball is hit.
Each infielder typically has specific skills that help them excel at their specific position. The first baseman needs to be able to stretch out and make catches to get force outs as there are a lot of throws to first base during a baseball game. The second baseman and the shortstop need to be expert fielders as lots of ground balls are usually hit to them during a baseball game. The third baseman needs to have a strong arm as it's a good distance from first to third base.
Baseball Outfielders
The three positions that make up the baseball outfield are the right fielder, center fielder, and left fielder. These players are responsible for catching fly balls as well as running down baseballs that make it through the infield. Any of these positions will benefit from good speed, but typically the center fielder needs to be the fastest runner as they have more area of the field they need to cover. The left fielder needs to be a strong defensive player as a lot of hits go to left field. The right fielder needs a strong arm as they often need to throw out runners going to third base or home plate.
More Baseball Links:
