One of the most appealing parts of baseball is the number of positions available for each athlete to play. Beginners and younger players often rotate to all nine positions on the field, and as players get older they often gravitate the position that suits their skill set best. Whether it is pitcher, catcher, outfield or any of the infield positions, each position on the baseball diamond has unique responsibilities pertaining to the defensive success of the team.
The Baseball Positions
Step 1
Stand on the mound, facing the plate to play the position of pitcher. The pitcher is responsible for delivering the pitch to the batter, but also has the responsibility of fielding bunts and groundballs that do not travel far. On plays that pull the first baseman away from the base, the pitcher is responsible for covering first. The pitcher is additionally responsible for backing up the catcher on any throws to the plate.
Step 2
Squat behind the plate and face the pitcher to play catcher. The catcher is responsible for handling the pitches thrown to the plate as well handling the ball on plays to the plate and bunts and pop flies that remain close to the plate. When catchers have become more experienced and become more comfortable with the pitchers and coaches, they may be given the additional responsibility of calling what pitches the pitcher is to throw. The catcher wears additional protective gear, including a helmet, face mask, chest protector, shin guards and a protective cup.
Step 3
Stand just off of first base in fair territory to play first base. First base is where the majority of groundballs are thrown, so the first basemen must be comfortable fielding throws from each of the other infielders. When there is a runner on first base, the first baseman is in charge of keeping the runner close to the base by straddling the base so the pitcher can throw over on a pick-off attempt.
Step 4
Looking from left to right when standing on home plate, the third baseman, shortstop and second baseman make up the rest of the infield. The second baseman stands on the first base side of second base, whereas the shortstop stands on the third base side of second base. With the third baseman standing just off third base, the primary responsibility of the three other infielders is to field groundballs and pop flies in the infield. It is important for the infielders to be knowledgeable of the runners on base and the number of outs so they can try to force out the lead runner or turn a double play if the situation presents itself.
Step 5
The three outfielders stand evenly spaced in the outfield at varying depth, depending on the ability of the batter. The left fielder stands in the outfield behind the third base side of the infield, the center fielder stands straight behind second base, and the right fielder stands in the outfield behind the first base side of the infield. The primary responsibility of the outfielders is to field fly balls or groundballs that make it through the infield and travel to the outfield, then make the relay throw to the appropriate base.
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