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.
The positions in baseball are pitcher (1), catcher (2), first base (3), second base (4), third base (5), shortstop (6), left field (7), center field (8) and right field (9). The numbers are used for scorekeeping.
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.
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.
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.
“A catcher has to be the smartest player on the field,” said Steve Stone, a White Sox television analyst who worked with dozens during his 11 years as a big-league pitcher. “He has to know the other team’s hitters.
The right fielder backs up second base on any ball thrown from the left side of the field, i.e. shortstop, third base, or foul line territory. Right field has developed a reputation in Little League as being a position where less talented players can be “hidden” without damaging a team’s defense in any significant way.
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.
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.
Generally, the left-field is where the worst player on a baseball team will be positioned. Even when the batted ball tends to go to the left side more often, the left fielder’s throwing arm doesn’t need to be so strong, and it’s surrounded by the most skilled players on a team.
Right Field
This is often considered to be, alongside the left field, the least important position in baseball.
Polo is another right-handed playing sport and the reason for this is because of safety. Playing left handed was banned In order to avoid the likelihood of a head-on collision between players.
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.
The shortstop positions himself between the third baseman and the second-base bag. The shortstop is considered the captain of the infield and takes charge on balls hit in the air as well as communication among infielders.
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.
Thus, the weakest of the three outfielders should be placed in left field. Center fielder - The center fielder should be the quickest outfielder due to the fact he will have more area of the outfield to cover than either the left fielder or right fielder.
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.
Of all outfielders, the left fielder often will have the weakest arm, as he generally does not need to throw the ball as far to prevent the advance of any baserunners.
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.
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.
Of all outfield positions, the right fielder often has the strongest arm, because they are the farthest from third base.
Which positions get hit the hardest? A study from Brown University found that in the NFL, running backs are hit the hardest.