First basemen are known for their long reach and extension in order to get outs.As spring draws near and parents are beginning to enroll their children in Little League baseball for the first time, what better time to start thinking about what position they might play? The primary responsibility of the first baseman is to cover first base because when a ground ball is hit in the infield, it is typically thrown to first base. The first baseman must also field any ground balls or pop-ups hit in their area. The first baseman is the final position part of the core infield and is positioned a few feet off the first base bag in between first and second base. The second baseman is often right-handed in order to improve their efficiency. The main responsibilities of the second baseman include: fielding ground balls hit in their area, catching pop-ups, and covering second base along with the shortstop, again depending on where the ball is hit in the infield. The second baseman is also a part of the infield and is positioned in between first and second base. The shortstop tends to have the most responsibilities and tends to be the team’s most versatile player. They are often involved in turning double plays with the second baseman. This position is tasked with covering the gap between second and third base, and is positioned in the middle between the two bases. The shortstop must cover second base along with the second baseman since the two positions split responsibilities depending on where the ball is hit in the field. The shortstop is part of the infield and plays a very important role. They also must have a strong arm in order to make the long throw to first base before the opposing runner reaches the base. The third baseman must field any balls hit in their area and catch throws from teammates throwing out an opposing player at third. The third baseman must be able to make a throw to the catcher when an opposing player is running to home plate. They are positioned a couple of feet off the bag towards second base, which allows the fielder to cover a wider range of the infield. The third baseman is part of the infield and is responsible for covering third base. They typically have quick reflexes, as they are the closest positions to home plate, except for the pitcher and catcher. Infielders are responsible for fielding ground balls, line drives, and pop-ups hit that are near their position on the field. The right fielder is positioned behind first base in the outfield, on the right side of the field. They are in charge of backing up center fielders on balls hit to center field and the first baseman on hits and throws towards third base. The right fielder shares the same responsibilities as the other two previous outfield positions. They are also responsible for backing up both the left and right fielders when balls are hit into left or right field. The center fielder is positioned behind second base in the middle of the outfield between left and right field. The center fielder must have a strong arm as well in order to throw balls from the outfield into the infield quickly. However, the center fielder is typically responsible for covering more ground than the left fielder and is usually faster. Center FieldĬenter field is also part of the outfield and shares the same responsibilities as left field: catching fly balls, line drives, and ground balls in the outfield. They also are responsible for backing up the center fielder on balls hit to center field and the third baseman on hits towards third base.
The left fielder is positioned in the outfield on the left side of the field, closest to third base. Left fielders must be fast to track down balls and have a strong arm to make long throws back into the infield. The left fielder is part of the outfield and responsible for catching fly balls, line drives, and fielding ground balls that make it past the infield on the left side. They must have strong arms and are typically also some of the better hitters on the team. Outfielders are responsible for fielding balls hit past the infielders.