The different positions in baseball require a variety of skills, level of toughness and overall awareness of what is taking place in the game.
The skills that a pitcher must possess is different from the catcher, which is very different from a centerfielder.
The positions vary greatly from spot to spot!
What is the hardest position in baseball?
Catcher is the hardest position because of the physical toll it takes on the body. The catcher has many physical challenges and must wear protective equipment due to the nature of the position while squatting over a hundred times in a typical game. It also requires the catcher to be engaged on every pitch with the mental focus to call a quality game for the pitcher.
What makes catcher a hard position to play?
- Physically demanding
- Bumps and bruises
- Highly skilled
- Mental focus
How are baseball positions numbered?
#1 Physically Demanding
Catcher is a physically demanding position. It requires the catcher to squat over a hundred times over your typical 7 or 9 inning game. The catcher is constantly getting up and down with a set of protective equipment on.
They are working hard, sometimes in rather intense heat and must remain focused on what the pitcher and hitter are doing, while still producing when they get an opportunity to bat.
How important is the catcher in baseball?
#2: Bumps and Bruises
The catcher might take a foul ball or two per game off their face mask, chest protector while also blocking pitches that are thrown in the dirt. The catcher is active and takes some baseballs off their body causing bumps and bruises throughout the season.
The catcher is often rarely fresh at any point and might require a day more frequently than the centerfielder. Overall the course of a season, ice and recovery become a catcher’s best friend.
Baseball positions ranked in order of importance!
#3 Highly Skilled
The catcher has to be good at a variety of things. These skills include: calling a game, block balls in the dirt, throwing out would be base stealers and framing pitches. The catcher has to work on these skills frequently and review where they can improve.
The best catchers watch film of the game they called, and are constantly improving their ability to block balls in the dirt. They also practice throws to each base to improve accuracy and release time. Finally, framing pitchers is as much science as it is an art. They have to work on the technique on a regular basis.
How to be a catcher in baseball (Key Skills!)
#4 Mental Focus
The best catchers remain focused throughout the entire game. They are calling pitches and communicating with the pitcher and manager while their team is up to bat. During the 2-3 hour game, they are tuned in to what is taking place and can’t lose their focus or it could cost the team some runs.
What is the easiest position in baseball?
Other Hard Positions in Baseball
From a skilled perspective the pitcher, shortstop and centerfield are all hard positions as well. They take a constant focus on improving or maintaining a certain level of skill.
The Pitcher
The best pitchers have multiple pitches they can use. They have a fast enough fast ball, a slow enough challenge and enough movement on a breaking ball to keep the batter off balanced.
They focus on recovery between starts and stick to a throwing routine to make sure they are at 100% when their opportunity to pitch comes around again. The pitcher is unique from other positions in that they touch the ball on every play as they throw the pitch. They also must cover bases and back up throws after the ball has been hit.
Does height matter in baseball?
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. Overall, the shortstop is vital to the overall success of the team.
Baseball Positions and Roles (All 9 Positions Explained!)
The Centerfielder
The best centerfields are fast and get a great jump on the ball. They cover plenty of ground and have a strong enough arm to deter base runners from attempting to take an extra base. They have to keep their speed at a high end and stretch and workout regularly to stay strong throughout the season.
A quality center fielder that can run baseballs down in the gap is a great asset to any team.
Other Positions
Each position has an element of uniqueness to it.
- The 3rd baseman is playing the “hot corner” and must possess soft hands and a strong arm to make the throw across the diamond. In today’s game, with many shifts taking place, they also need some range when they are shifted over to the shortstop position.
- The 1st baseman must be able to scoop a ball out of the dirt, hold a runner on first base and make the occasion cut off throw or throw to 2nd base to try to turn a double play.
- Left and Right Fielders must be able to run a ball down going back or in and deal with fly balls into foul territory. The stronger the arm, the better chance they have in throwing runners out or keeping the runners from even attempting to advance.
What position should I play in baseball?
Final Thoughts
Whatever position one might play takes skill development and focus on improving the craft involved with the position. The best players work daily on their skills in the field and at the plate. All baseball players must remain mentall tough, committed to their sport and be great teammates even in difficult times.
Every player will go through a slump at the plate, but must maintain a certain level of defense in the field. This can be tough to not be thinking about your last at bat or your next at bat while playing in the field.