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     Two teams of nine players compete on a baseball field which is divided between an infield and an outfield. The infield, called the “diamond,” is where the bases (bags) are located. Players in the field include three outfielders, four infielders, one pitcher, and one catcher. Substitutions may take place any time the ball is not in play. Once substituted, however, a player may not reenter the game.  Pitcher (or “hurler”) - Throws the ball from an elevated “pitching mound” located in the center of the diamond. He tries to get opposing batters out by pitching into the “strike zone,” using assorted pitches such as the fastball or curve ball. Catcher - Plays in a crouched position directly behind home plate and catches the baseball thrown by the pitcher. Along with the pitcher, he decides which pitches should be thrown to each batter. First Baseman - Positioned next to the bag at first. He fields the baseball when it is hit down the first base foul line and also covers the base on “force plays.” Second Baseman -Plays in the gap between second base and the first baseman. He fields the “grounders” and “pop-ups” hit to this part of the infield, covers plays to second, and relays throws from the outfielders. Shortstop-Stands between second and third base and fields balls hit to this side of the infield. He is often involved in force plays and “double plays” with the second baseman. Third Baseman - Plays just to the left of third base. He covers third when runners approach and is responsible for fielding balls hit down the third base foul line. Outfielders (Left, Center, and Right) - These three players catch the “fly balls” and field the base hits that go through the infield. They need to have strong throwing arms to get the baseball back into the infield to prevent runners from advancing along the bases. Entire contents copyright © 1997-2006, MomsGuide.com , Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form for commercial re-use without prior written permission is forbidden. “Mom’s Guide to Sports” is a registered trademark of MomsGuide.com, Inc. |
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