Fielding is probably the most overlooked aspect of baseball. Fans come to the games to see the majesty of long home runs and pitching performances, but consistent, strong defense will help a team win, especially close games. All managers and coaches love to see their players make spectacular fielding plays but it's consistent defensive play that helps a team win games.
Function
Defense in baseball usually has a major effect on every game. Players who play competent defense can help turn a good pitcher into a great one or an average pitcher into a good one. For example, teams have to know what to do in order to turn a ground ball into a double play. With a right-handed pull hitter up to the plate, the shortstop will play one step farther in the hole (closer to third base) and the second baseman will play two steps closer to second base.
Considerations
The position of the defense is a dependent on the pitcher on the mound and the batter coming to the plate. A pitcher who can throw 95 mph will influence the defense. Batters will have a hard time pulling pitches from a hard thrower so outfielders will likely play hitters toward the opposite field. When a power hitter comes up, the defense will play farther back in an effort to cut off long drives to the gaps.
Features
It's hard to be a good defensive team without strength up the middle. Strong defensive teams have a solid catcher, a spectacular shortstop, a second baseman who is highly effective at turning the double play and a centerfielder who can range to get any fly ball between right center and left center. Strong outfield play is one of the most underrated aspects of playing defense. One of the keys is knowing the tendencies of each batter. A centerfielder who moves two steps into the right-centerfield gap when a left-handed hitter comes up and then is able to make a running catch owes the play to being in the right spot before the pitch was thrown. Additionally, outfielders must be aware of the situation in the game and need to put themselves in a position to throw the ball to get a base runner tagging up after making the catch. That means catching the ball at head level so the outfielder can release the ball quickly.
History
The history of the game has long been influenced by players who made fantastic fielding plays. In the 1954 World Series, Willie Mays of the New York Giants sprinted to the deepest part center field in the Polo Grounds to take away a sure triple from Cleveland slugger Vic Wertz in the first game of the series. The Giants went on to win that game and the championship. Ozzie Smith, who played the majority of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, is widely recognized as the finest defensive shortstop ever. Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles earned the nickname the Human Vacuum Cleaner for his ability to suck up hard ground balls and dominate at third base.
Benefits
Defense should work with the pitcher on the mound and change its position depending on the pitcher's velocity and his strengths and weaknesses. For example, a sinker ball pitcher will usually induce a lot of ground balls. This requires infielders who can play back a little more and also have the range to go right or left to make plays and then make the throw. Breaking ball pitchers will give up more fly balls and that means that the defense will need swift fly chasers who can face into the gaps. Playing a defense that matches your pitcher's abilities will help your team win more games.
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