Editing Baseball positions (section)

== Fielding ==
Fielders must be able to catch the ball well, as catching [[Batted ball|batted balls]] before they bounce is one way they can put the batter [[Out (baseball)|out]], as well as create opportunities to prevent the advance of, and [[put out]] other runners. Additionally, they must be able to throw the ball well, with many plays in the game depending on one fielder collecting the hit ball and then throwing it to another fielder who, while holding the ball in their hand/glove, touches either a [[Runner (baseball)|runner]] or the base the runner is [[Force out|forced]] to run to in order to record an out. Fielders often have to run, dive, and slide a great deal in the act of reaching, stopping, and retrieving a hit ball, and then setting themselves up to transfer the ball, all with the end goal of getting the ball as quickly as possible to another fielder. They also run the risk of colliding with incoming runners during a [[Tag (baseball)|tag]] attempt at a base. 

Fielders may have different responsibilities depending on the game situation. For example, when an outfielder is attempting to throw the ball from near the fence to one of the bases, an infielder may need to "cut off" the throw and then act as a relay thrower to help the ball cover its remaining distance to the target destination.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Baseball Positions & Responsibilities|url=https://www.sportsrec.com/6528169/baseball-positions-responsibilities|access-date=2021-08-19|website=SportsRec|language=en}}</ref> 

As a group, the outfielders are responsible for preventing [[home runs]] by reaching over the fence (and potentially doing a [[wall climb]]) for [[Fly ball (baseball)|fly balls]] that are catchable. The infielders are the ones who generally handle plays that involve tagging a base or runner, and also need quick reflexes in order to catch a batted ball before it leaves the infield. The pitcher and catcher have special responsibilities to prevent [[base stealing]], as they are the ones who handle the ball whenever it has not been hit. The catcher will also sometimes attempt to [[blocking the plate|block the plate]] in order to prevent a run being scored.