Playing the outfield in baseball can be a taxing job. Outfielders can go many innings without a play. When the pitcher is having an effective outing, he may keep the ball in the infield. It may seem the outfielder is in position but doesn't have much to do. Just when it seems the outfielder's presence is not necessary, a deep drive will require a sudden call to action. The outfielder will have to run, track the ball and make a catch. Outfielders must always be ready, even when there seems to be an interminable lack of action.
Tracking Fly Balls
Catching a fly ball that is hit in your general direction is easy for most outfielders who have been playing the game and tracking fly balls throughout their career. However, there are many factors that can turn a routine fly ball into an adventure. When the ball is hit into a cloudless sky, it may be difficult to find as you look up for it. The wind can take a fly ball and blow it many feet away from where you are positioned. When the ball is driven into the far reaches of the outfield, you must sprint to where you think the ball will end up and then start to track it as you run at full speed. This is anything but routine and it can take athleticism to make a play.
Ground Ball Base Hits
This is another play that appears routine. When a ground ball is hit between shortstop and third base, the left fielder charges in, picks up the ball and throws it into second base to keep the hitter from advancing. However, if the left fielder does not come in, the batter may recognize that the outfielder didn't charge the ball and he may have an extra second to run and get to second. If the outfielder charges the ball but it gets by him, the runner may be able to take two extra bases. That's why you must get directly in front of the ball to keep it from bounding by you.
Outfield Throwing
When you throw the ball from the outfield because there is a play at second, third or home, you must have your momentum going toward that base to have a chance to throw the runner out. If you are playing center field and there is a runner on second and a fly ball is hit, you may want to get behind the ball as it comes in, charge it and catch it on the run so you can throw it with all your momentum behind you. If you throw the ball coming forward, you have more velocity and that will give you a better chance of throwing out the runner. Always catch the ball up by your shoulder when you have to throw a runner out. There is less distance on the transfer from your glove hand to your throwing hand and you will get rid of the ball faster.
Outfield Positiong
To give your team the best chance to win, you have to know your opponents and their hitting tendencies. If you know the leadoff batter likes to hit the ball to right field and you are playing center, take a step or two toward the right-field foul line. This will give you an edge on any ball hit in the right-center field gap. Knowing your opponents and positioning yourself appropriately will give you a better chance to make a play.
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