There are a total of 9 positions in baseball and three positions make up the outfield.
All teams rely on quality outfield play to track down fly balls and base hits to the gaps. Outfielders typically have a typical skill set to help them be successful and keep the other team from scoring unnecessary runs.
As the age level increases, the importance of the outfielders also increases. They are a vital part to the defense and helping out the pitchers. There have been some great defensive outfielders throughout the history of MLB.
Below, I will dive into each of the 3 outfield positions and provide the following:
- Brief Description
- Skills Needed
What are the outfield positions in baseball?
The three outfield positions in baseball are left field, center field and right field.
Outfield Positions in Baseball: Left Field
Brief Description
The left fielder plays in the outfield typically behind the shortstop and the 3rd baseman. The position is important to cutting down any base hits and holding runners to a single. Running down balls in the gaps and possibly taking a base hit away. And then making a strong throw on all balls hit in his or her direction and keeping the base runners from taking an extra base.
If the 3 positions in the outfield, it is the easiest and requires the least amount of speed or arm strength. The center field is typically faster and the right fielder has the stronger throwing arm.
Overall, the left fielder might not be the best defensive player on the team, but must be able to track fly balls and make strong throws.
Complete Post: How to play Left Field
Skills Needed
The most important skills for a left fielder are 1) the ability to track down fly balls and use speed to take hits away, 2) make a strong throw to the proper base and 3) back up other players in the vicinity of left field.
Ideally, the left fielder has high end speed and a strong arm, but overall, neither of these are necessary. It is very common for a left fielder to also be one of the power hitters on the team that might hit in the middle of the batting order.
Most important skill: making the routine play
Outfield Positions in Baseball: Center Field
Brief Description
The most important position in the outfield is the center field position. This position is located behind 2nd base in the outfield.
This player typically has high end speed and can run fly balls down in both gaps to his or her left or right. A quality center fielder can be a game changer and help save the team runs.
Over the course of a season, a center fielder with high end speed that can get a good jump on batted balls will save the team plenty of runs.
Complete Post: How to play Center Field
Skills Needed
If you were going to pick one skill for a center fielder it would be speed. While an above average arm is great for any position in baseball, speed is definitely more important.
When one considers the amount of ground a player must cover, we can see why speed is so important. A 2nd skill is the ability to get a good jump on the baseball. This means the center fielder is able to read the ball off the bat and get going in the right direction quickly.
The combination of a great jump and then high end speed can help make a center fielder elite.
Most important skill: speed
Outfield Positions in Baseball: Right Field
Brief Description
The right fielder is located in the outfield typically behind the 1st baseman and the 2nd baseman.
While having similar speed to a left fielder, the right fielder should have a stronger arm to keep runners from advancing from 1st to 3rd on a routine base hit.
Other than location and the need for a strong let arm, the right field position is most similar to the left field position.
Complete Post: How to play Right Field
Skills Needed
The most important skill is a strong arm. However, the right fielder must be able to track down a fly ball, be aware of back up situations and have quality footwork to make a strong throw.
In most lineups, the right fielder is one of the better hitters whether he or she hits for a lot of power or a high average.
Most important skill: strong arm
Skill development for all outfielders: Recommended Drills
On the teams we have built, we have our outfielders cross train in the different outfield positions. This provides the greatest amount of flexibility during a game and a season.
We recommend the following for all outfielders
- Speed training to increase running speed.
- Working on getting jumps on batted balls from all three positions.
- Long toss to continue to build arm strength and accuracy.
- Game repetitions. Whether this is in a scrimmage or game, ultimately the outfielder needs experience.
The Versatile Player
As a player in any sport, the more skill and experience you can build, the better chance of getting into the lineup. All players should consider how they can best help their team to make themselves a valuable asset
Bonus Tip
In today’s video world that we live in, make sure you watch some of the best outfielders in the game. Things to watch for: positioning, ability to get a good jump on the ball, and foot work.
Also, find a minor league or major-league game in the area you live to get the full picture of how each outfield position is handled by professionals. Get there early and watch the pregame warm-ups and stay through the end to watch every move they make.