VIF Baseball
5× Norgesmester · 2× Seriemester · Stiftet 2022
5× Norgesmester · 2× Seriemester · Stiftet 2022
Learn about each position on the field - from pitcher to outfielder
Baseball has 9 defensive players on the field at once, split into three groups: the battery, the infield, and the outfield. Click on a position to learn what the role involves.
The pitcher and catcher make up the "battery" -- the duo that controls every single pitch. They communicate with hand signals and coordinate strategy against each batter.
The pitcher is the player who throws the ball toward the batter. A good pitcher can throw hard, with spin, and mix up pitches to fool the opponent. The pitcher stands on a small raised area called the "mound" about 18 meters from the batter. Common pitches include the fastball (straight and fast), the curveball (breaks downward), and the changeup (looks fast but is slower). The pitcher chooses pitches together with the catcher.
Looking for command, the ability to hit the zones consistently, and variety across pitch types.
The catcher crouches behind the batter and receives every pitch from the pitcher. It is the only position that sees the whole field from the front. The catcher calls the pitches using hand signals, directs the defense's positioning, and is responsible for throwing out runners who try to steal bases. The catcher wears extra protective gear: a mask, chest protector, and shin guards.
Looking for blocking balls in the dirt, throws to second base, and the ability to guide the pitcher through the game.
The first baseman stands at first base and takes throws from the other infielders to put the batter out. When a ball is hit on the ground, a teammate throws it to the first baseman, who has to catch it before the batter reaches the base. The role demands good reach and the ability to catch errant throws -- balls in the dirt, over the head, or off to the side. It is often one of the team's strongest hitters.
Looking for footwork around the bag, the ability to dig out low throws, and reliability with the glove.
The second baseman covers the area between first and second base. A key job is teaming up with the shortstop on double plays: when the ball is hit on the ground with a runner on first, the second baseman has to take the throw at second base, touch the bag, and fire on to first base -- all in under two seconds. The position demands quick hands, sharp reflexes, and precise coordination with teammates.
Looking for pivot technique on the double play, positioning before the ball is hit, and chemistry with the shortstop.
The shortstop plays between second and third base and covers the largest area in the infield. It is often the team's best defensive player. The shortstop has to range far to both sides to stop balls, pick up grounders at full speed, and throw accurately over a long distance to first base. The position demands a blend of quickness, arm strength, and baseball IQ that few other positions can match.
Looking for lateral range, arm strength on long throws, and the ability to field the ball cleanly from tough angles.
Third base is called "the hot corner" because balls hit in this direction come in extremely fast. The distance to the batter is short, so the third baseman has minimal time to react. The role demands lightning reflexes to catch or stop hard line drives and grounders, and a strong arm to throw all the way across to first base. The third baseman also has to stay alert for bunt situations and charge in toward the batter to pick up soft balls.
Looking for reaction time on hard-hit balls, arm strength for long throws, and the ability to attack bunts.
Left field is the area behind the infield on the left side. The left fielder catches fly balls (balls hit high into the air) and chases down balls that roll past the infield. The position demands good speed to cover large areas and the ability to read the ball's path the moment it comes off the bat in order to get into the right position. The left fielder most often throws to second or third base, so an acceptable arm is enough -- it doesn't have to be the strongest.
Looking for routes and positioning, first-step reaction, and consistency on fly balls.
The center fielder covers the largest area in the outfield -- the middle of the field behind second base. It is usually the team's fastest outfielder, because this position requires you to run long distances at full speed to reach fly balls. The center fielder is also responsible for communicating with the two other outfielders and "calling" balls to avoid collisions. When there is any doubt about who should take the ball, the center fielder has priority.
Looking for top speed, the ability to cover ground, communication with teammates, and accurate throws.
Right field is the area behind the infield on the right side. What sets the right fielder apart from the other outfielders is the need for a strong throwing arm. The right fielder has the longest throw on the field -- from right field all the way to third base -- and that throw has to be both fast and accurate to keep runners from advancing. Many of the most dramatic plays in baseball come from a right fielder throwing out a runner at third.
Looking for arm strength and accuracy on long throws, and the ability to make the right decisions under pressure.
The battery is the heart of the defense. A pitcher-catcher duo that communicates seamlessly is the difference between a good and an elite defense. The catcher calls the game, the pitcher executes. When they are in sync, they are unstoppable.