Baseball is America’s pastime. There is nothing better than playing a game or two on a warm summer day. The beginning of the MLB season usually marks the beginning of spring and the end of a cold winter in many parts of America. The start of a season brings new hope for every fan base and for people in general as it is the sign that summer right getting near.
Many people play little league as kids and learn about the great game of baseball. Baseball can be a bit confusing for the beginner or the general observer. We are here to help however. We are going to provide a complete breakdown of the 9 positions in baseball and the key skills that some must have.
Whether you are seeking some knowledge or are interested in developing your skills, we have what you need. If you are looking to develop skills, we have a special video after each position to help you get better.
Bonus Info: We will follow up with some video tips on how to build those skills. Whether you are a parent supporting your kid or a budding star, the videos and information can help take your game to the next level.
What are the 9 positions in baseball?
The 9 positions in baseball include the following: pitcher, catcher, 1st Base, 2nd Base, 3rd Base, Shorstop, Left Field, Center Field, and Right Field. In some leagues a 10th position can be considered the Designated Hitter or an Extra Hitter in some little leagues.
The positions in baseball have a number system. You will find the number before each position listed below.
1 – Pitcher
The pitcher is the player that starts each play in baseball by throwing the ball towards the catcher. The goal is to make the batter miss and get three strikes before throwing 4 balls or allowing the hitter to put the ball in play and obtain a hit.
A pitcher will use different strategies to try to get the batter out. These include throwing a fastball, curve ball, splitter, change up and a variety of pitchers at various speeds.
The goal is to keep the batter off balance and not allow the batter to make solid contact. The pitching position is as much science as it is are. Many kids will start pitching with just a fastball and work on location.
As a pitcher moves up in levels, the ability to control the run game is essential. They just be able to hold runners close to the base to keep runners from stealing bases. The pitcher will pitch from The stretch and develop a pick off move to keep the runners close and maybe even get an out.
The location, speed and movement of the pitches is what every pitcher should work on and develop.
Skill Development: A pitcher must have a strong arm and be able to throw 2-3 pitches. Mechanics are so important for the success of a pitcher. Location and speed are vital as well as a strong mental state.
Recommended Video for skill development:
2 – Catcher
The catcher is a position unlike any other. The catcher is located behind home plate and wears protective gear including shin guards, a chest protector and a helmet and mask.
The pitcher/catcher combination is frequently referred to as a “battery.” The catcher is a vital position on the field as the catcher calls the game for the pitcher. This includes selecting pitch type and location.
In addition the catcher must possess a strong arm in order to be able to throw out runners trying to steal bases. Catchers must also be tough as the catcher can be hit by foul tips and on hot days the position is even more difficult because it takes a physical toll on the body in the heat. A great deal of sweat is produced wearing the gear.
Skill Development: the ability to call a good game, have a strong arm and block balls in the dirt.
Recommended video for skill development:
3 – 1st Base
The 1st baseman has the role of catching the ball when thrown from other infielders on groundballs that are hit. Occasional the player must also field ground balls when hit in his or her direction.
The 1st baseman must be great at catching the ball. Wherever the ball is thrown the player must find a way to scoop the ball out of the dirt or even block the ball to prevent a runner from advancing.
Bunt coverage is also important and taking cutoffs to home plate. The player playing this position usually is one of the taller players on the team to provide for a big target for the infielders. They usually are less mobile than other players because range is not vitally important.
Skill Development: the 1st baseman should work on scooping the ball out the dirt and the proper footwork around the base.
Recommended video for skill development:
4 – 2nd Base
The 2nd baseman fields any ground balls that he can get to. It is essential to be able to move quickly and cover a lot of ground. After fielding the ball an accurate throw must happen typically to the 1st baseman, but sometimes the ball is thrown to 2nd base typically covered by the shortstop.
It is also important for the 2nd basemen to be able to turn a double play. Quickly catching the ball from the shortstop or 3rd baseman, stepping on 2nd base and then throwing it to first can save the team runs by getting two outs in one batted ball.
The 2nd basemen must handle cutoffs when the ball is hit to certain spots in the outfield.
Skill development: the 2nd baseman should have quick feet and hands. The ability to field ground balls and make quick accurate throws is essential to be a quality 2nd baseman.
Recommended video for skill development:
5 – 3rd Base
Often referred to as the “hot corner” due to the hard hit balls that come to the 3rd baseman is a difficult position because of the hard hit balls must be field and then thrown all the way across the infield. A strong arm is a must and a willingness to dive and take ground balls off the chest.
The 3rd baseman doesn’t need the same amount of range as the shortstop or 2nd baseman, but still needs soft hands and the ability to field ground balls.
The throw can be difficult for some and the stronger the arm the better. The 3rd baseman must cover cutoffs to home plate when the ball is hit to left field.
Skill development: practicing fielding hard hit ground bald and making strong accurate throws will serve anyone playing 3rd base well.
Recommended video for skill development:
6 – Shortstop
The shortstop is arguably the most difficult and important position in the infield. The shortstop must have great range and the ability to not only field the ball, but to get rid of the ball and make a quick accurate throw to 1st base. It can be difficult because the shortstop has to play deep enough to get to enough balls, but then must make a quality throw.
The shortstop also plays a vital role in turning double plays when the ball is hit to the pitcher, 1st baseman or 2nd baseman. They are also involved in cut offs from the outfield when hit to certain positions.
Overall, the shortstop must have soft hands, great range, and a strong throwing arm. They also play a role in positioning the outfielders and is the captain of the field for the most part. A shortstop can change the complexion of the game. It differs from the 2nd basement because of the throwing demands placed on the positions.
Skill Development: The shortstop must continue to develop soft hards, the range it takes to play the position and strong, accurate throws.
Recommended video for skill development:
7 – Left Field
The left fielder must be able to catch balls hit in the air in the vicinity of the left fielder. The fielder plays behind the 3rd baseman in the outfield. They are responsible for fielding pop flies, line drives and ground balls hit in their direction. The left fielder must be able to field the ball and then make a strong throw to the cut off man in the direction of the appropriate base.
Typically all outfields will throw two bases ahead of the lead runner on base hits and one base ahead on pop flies. They must know the situation of the game, know the tendencies of the hitter, and adjust where they will stand at the time of the pitch.
A great left fielder is able to get a good jump right after contact and read where the ball is going. This extra step or two could mean the difference between a caught ball and a base hit. The best outfields are fast and have strong arms.
Of the three outfield positions, the left fielder typically has less demands than the other two. The center fielder has to cover more area and the right fielder has a further throw to third base.
Skill Development: Speed is essential in addition to a strong arm. Any outfield should also work on reading the ball off the bat and getting a good jump.
Recommended video for skill development:
8 – Center Field
The center fielder is the most important outfield position. It requires speed and a decent arm. The centerfielder is responsible for a large amount of ground to cover and must be able to get a good jump off of the bat. The center fielder is similar to the level of importance to the shortstop in the infield.
Like any outfielder, it is essential to see the ball off the bat and quickly get to the ball. Positioning is vital and the centerfield can line up anywhere from left center to right center depending on the hitter and the speed of the pitcher.
Traditionally, the center field has a high level of athleticism and speed. It is usually one of the faster players on the team. The strengths of the arm isn’t as important as the overall speed and athleticism.
Skill Development: Continue to development speed and the ability to get a good jump on the ball. Making accurate throws is important as well.
Recommended video for skill development:
9 – Right Field
The right field is similar to the left fielder, but stands behind the 1st baseman and 2nd baseman in the outfield. The skill set is very similar, but might have a bit stronger arm due to the distance from 3rd base when compared to the left fielder.
In the major leagues, the right fielder will usually have a strong arm to keep runners from going from 1st to 3rd base on a base hit to right field.
The right fielder must know the appropriate place to throw the ball on a base hit or a caught fly ball.A quality right fielder is able to get a good jump on the ball and take away bass hits.
Skill Development: Continue to develop the ability to get a good jump and strengthen the throwing arm.
Recommended video for skill development:
Designated Hitter (DH)
The designated hitter typically hits for the pitcher in the American League. This is someone that can hit for a high average and usually has some decent pop in his bat. This position has frequently been filled by great hitters that might lack a defensive positions or is more of a veteran and has lost some range in the field.
There have been some great designated hitters over the years. The one that comes to mind is Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners. A true professional hitter that changed many games.
Some little leagues will allow an Extra Hitter (EH) to get an extra kid into the game.
Related Questions…
What is more difficult, second base or shortstop?
The shortstop position is more difficult due to the longer throw that a field has to make to first base. When a second basement fields the ball, he has more time and doesn’t have to let it fly as fast. However, there have been some second basement because of the short throw who have developed yips as a result of trying to be too perfect with the throw.
One other more difficult aspect of the 2nd base position is turning the double play. A 2nd baseman has his back to the runner bearing down on him when receiving the ball from the 3rd baseman or the shortstop. The fear of the runner whipping you out at 2nd base is real and can make it difficult. The is also difficult because you have to catch the ball and throw from your back foot.
What is unique about playing catcher?
The catcher position is unique due to all the gear and the involvement in every play of the game. On hot days, the catcher position can wear a player down and often makes hitting more difficult. There aren’t all that many great hitting catchers because of the unique skill set that it takes to play catcher.
Often times you will see players switch positions at some point in their career, but rarely do you see someone become a catcher later in his career. It is a highly skilled position that takes proper technique.
Is it easy to switch positions in baseball?
Players are allowed to switch positions at any point outside of the pitcher positions. You will sometimes see a player switch to a corner outfield position later in his career when his range at shortstop or 2nd base starts to deteriorate. You won’t see many outfields become infielders, it is typically infielders becoming outfielders because playing infield is a more highly skilled position than outfield.
What is with all of the shifting in baseball?
The analytics involved with baseball has provided hit charts to see where players most frequently hit the ball. It is very common to see an entire infield shifted one way or another depending on the hitter.
This has required the fielders to be more versatile and have to get used to playing infield on either side of the 2nd base. The athletes in todays game make this possible and it then requires a 2nd basemen to have a stronger arm to be able to make the throw from the 3rd base side of 2nd base.
Analytics has played a major role in these shifts and just about every team has an analytics department that provides this information. Managers and coaches often instruct the players from the dugout on where to play. The pitcher then has to pitch to the shift.
How do you beat the shift?
Some hitters just stick with their same approach and try to hit the ball through the shift while some may occasionally try to bunt the ball to break the shift or punch it the other way. The best way to beat it is to drive the gaps in the outfield and stick with your approach. You now see more home run swings which may be a result of the shifts.
Who Are Some of the All Time Greats By Positions
All Time Greats By Positions
Here are some players worth checking out.
Shortstop: Ozzie Smith and Omar Vizquel are two of the best to ever play the game. They had amazing range, strong arms and could change a game with one or two plays that the typical shortstop couldn’t get to.
2nd Basemen: Roberto Alomar was one of the best of all time. He was an all around phenomenal defender who had great range and could really turn a double play.
3rd Basemen: Mike Schimdt was incredible. He is worth checking out.
Centerfield: Ken Griffey Jr. was simply amazing in centerfield, especially early on his career. HIs range and ability to make a throw was just impressive.
Corner Outfield: Ichirio was incredible because of his arm. Watching him throw a guy out from the warning track was the price of admission.
Catcher: Ivan Rodriguez was my favorite to watch. He could easily control a run game with his strong arm and his willingness to throw behind runners.
Take Action…
Are you looking to get better as a defensive ball player or looking to help someone that you know? Than check out the videos above and start to practice. There are many great drills that can be practiced frequently to improve and grow in the game.
If you are simply a student of the game, consider checking out some of our other great posts. We write all about sports and love all sports. We are true sports fanatics and have enjoyed playing and coaching many of the sports.