Outfielder
Under a Outfielder (of English. : Outfield , about outfield ) are understood in baseball and softball the three defensive positions that are farthest from the batsman. A distinction is made (from the batsman's point of view) between the Left Fielder , the Center Fielder and the Right Fielder . The main task of the outfielder is to catch long flying balls before they hit the ground (a so-called fly out ) and to throw all balls back from the outfield into the infield.
Well-known outfielders in the Major League Baseball All-Century Team are Hank Aaron , Ty Cobb , Joe DiMaggio , Mickey Mantle , Willie Mays , Stan Musial , Pete Rose , Babe Ruth and Ted Williams .
Left fielder
The left fielder plays on the left side of the outfield. In the official baseball notation he is the "number 7". The left field is the least demanding outfield position on paper, as neither the throwing power required by the right fielder nor the speed required by the center fielder is required. The alleged undemanding of the left field position is proverbial: in English, a success that comes very unexpectedly is considered to be “out of left field”. Even so, a solid leftfield is important because many baseball batter are right-handed and so many balls get into left field. In addition, he secures the third base to the rear.
Center Fielder
The center fielder plays centrally in the outfield. In the official baseball notation he is the "number 8". A center fielder is often the fastest and most persistent outfielder, as he has to cover the longest distances and, if necessary, has to support the other outfielder. The center fielder bears most of the responsibility in the outfield and, if he thinks he is catching a ball, can order the other outfielders to move away from the ball. He also covers the second base in order to intercept any balls that the catcher may have let through to the second baseman . Because of their speed, center fielders are often used as base runners on the offensive and often hit in the lead-off position, i.e. H. as the first batsman in the batting order .
Right fielder
The right fielder plays on the right side of the outfield. In the official baseball notation he is the "number 9". A right fielder usually has the strongest limb to make the long throw to third base. In addition, a right fielder covers first base from behind. A right fielder usually has fewer defensive actions than his two outfield colleagues, since in baseball many batter are right-handed and the balls usually hit left or center field. Therefore, the Right Field has a reputation, especially in the amateur sector, as a suitable location for weaker team members who can cause less damage there than in other positions.
Position of the left fielder
Position of the center fielder
Position of the right fielder
Individual evidence
- ^ Roger Kahn, "Good Enough to Dream". Lincoln / London: University of Nebraska Press 2000, p. 15.