There are nine standard positions in baseball; they are governed more by experience and traditional practice than by the rules. They are: pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder and right fielder.
Pitcher is the most difficult position to play in baseball. Not only does the pitcher have the most important job on the field, which is to get batters out and prevent runs from scoring, but he also has to deal with the immense pressure that accompanies being on the mound.
Fielders. There are nine defensive positions in baseball called fielders. These positions include the pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, right fielder, and center fielder.
A catcher and shortstop’s mobility is limited by being left-handed. While a right-handed thrower will naturally be in the position to get the ball where it needs to be, a left-handed thrower’s awkward range of motion and form adds precious milliseconds to a play in a game where every tiny thing counts.
Based on statistics and the position’s active involvement in the game, it’s believed that right field is the easiest baseball position to play. This is the case because of the number of balls hit to right field compared to other positions on the field.
All outfielders have the ability to call off all infielders. The shortstop has the ability to call off all other infielders but not outfielders. If he is moving back into the outfield then he has to give up priority to the outfielder coming in on the ball.
Catcher - The catcher is the fielder who takes his position back of the home base. First baseman - A defensive fielder who plays on or near the first-base bag. Baserunner - If a batter gets on base, his primary responsibility is to advance to scoring position and score a run for his team.
The shortstop position is between the second base and the third baseman. Its name comes from where it’s located, as it requires the player to stop the short side of the field and act as a cutoff for the left and center fielders. Also seen on box scores and graphics, the shortstop position is labeled SS.
The right fielder will stand outside the diamond and cover the right-third of the outfield. Right fielders are responsible for catching fly balls, preventing triples, backing up first base, and long throws to third base.
Overall, the center fielder is as important to the outfield as the shortstop is to the infield.
The pitcher is the most important position in baseball, without a doubt. Whomever toes the rubber dictates so much of the game that there’s even a timeless phrase thrown around every MLB season: “Pitching wins championships.” That is unless your pitcher is Clayton Kershaw and your team is in the playoffs.
Lefties are ideal for first base because with their glove on their right hand, it makes it easy for them to turn to the base with their glove facing the field. Right-handed first basemen have to take a few extra steps to turn their bodies, which is a disadvantage for them compared to lefties.
“Lefties can’t play catcher because your head hangs over home plate when you make a tag.” “You’ve got the ball in your right hand, you’re blocking the plate with your left foot. When you go to make the tag, you’re exposed.
Definition. A fielder is credited with a putout when he is the fielder who physically records the act of completing an out – whether it be by stepping on the base for a forceout, tagging a runner, catching a batted ball, or catching a third strike.
Ichiro has the strongest and most powerful arm of any outfielder in the major leagues today. Runners will not even try to advance extra bases when the ball is in Ichiro’s hands. Ichiro has won a Gold Glove all 10 years that he has been in the major leagues.
Still, the general consensus among baseball experts is that playing the right field is generally harder. The ball coming off the bat to the left field is commonly more predictable and has less of a spin to it. Most batters are righties and they rarely send balls of sliced pitches to the left field.
Being good at tracking and catching the ball is essential, but outfielders must know their arm strength, how to throw on a line and (most importantly) where to throw the ball. Quickly hitting the cutoff man is as valuable a skill as being able to throw the ball all the way to the base.
The Shortstop
The most demanding position in the infield due to the skills required. The shortstop must have high end ragne, a strong arm and the ability to stand focused on the game and position other fielders. They have responsibilities in cutoffs and covering bases when runners are dancing or trying to steal a base.
Outfielders have priority over the infielders. Shortstop has priority over everyone in the infield. Middle infielders (SS and 2nd base) have priority over the corner infielders (1st base and 3rd base). Corner infielders have priority over the pitcher and catcher.
Pitchers do not catch pop flies. It’s one of the rules. This started innocently enough: the infield has its hierarchy, just like the center fielder outranks his comrades.
One-knee stances help improve a catcher’s receiving on bottom-zone pitches and can increase how many of those pitches end up being called strikes. For MLB the potential run value of each skill swings heavily in favor of receiving.