Long thought to have been invented in America in the 1790s, some now believe baseball actually has roots in England, dating back to 1755. Regardless, the game has come to be known as American's Pastime thanks to its longstanding popularity in the States. And as time has passed, the nine positions on a baseball team have become increasingly specialized, with each requiring its own set of skills.
Pitcher
The pitcher is responsible for setting the game in motion. He stands on a dirt mound that is 10 inches high and 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate, and pitches the ball toward home plate in an effort to retire opposing batters. Pitchers are usually the hardest-throwing players on the respective teams, and are able to throw a variety of pitches that are not only fast, but can break in different directions. The two types of pitchers are starters, who begin the game on the mound and are expected to last at least five innings, and relievers, who come in for shorter stints later in the game.
Catchers
The catcher squats behind home plate, catching pitches from the pitcher. It's the catcher's duty to determine which type of pitch should be thrown in a given situation and signal this call to the pitcher using hand signs. The catcher is also responsible for knocking down or catching misfired pitches as well as keeping opposing baserunner from stealing. A catcher also protects home plate; when the opposing team attempts to score a run, its his job to block the plate, secure his teammates throw and tag out the runner before the runner can touch the plate.
Infielders
The four infielders are first basemen, second basemen, shortstops and third basemen. Because they're closer to the action than outfielders, they must have quick reactions and the ability to smoothly field hard-hit ground balls. The first baseman sees the most action because opposing batter run to -- and fellow infielders throw the ball to -- first base after the ball is struck. Second basemen and third basemen are responsible for manning their respective bases while also fielding fielding batted balls. The shortstop covers the gap in between second and third base, and often has the most fielding ability and strongest throwing arm of the infielders on a team.
Outfielders
The three outfielders are right fielders, center fielders and left fielders. The right fielder is responsible for the right side of the outfield, extended past the first baseman. The left fielder defends the left portion of the outfield, past third base. And the center fielder must cover all of the area in between. Because she is responsible for the largest chunk of field out of anyone on the team, a center fielder is often the fastest, most athletic player on a team.
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