Editing Baseball positions

{{Short description|Fielding positions in the sport of baseball}}
{{Distinguish|Baseball positioning}}
[[File:Baseball positions.svg|right|frameless]]

In the sport of [[baseball]], each of the nine players on a team is assigned a particular '''fielding position''' when it is their turn to play defense. Each position conventionally has an associated number, [[baseball scorekeeping|for use in scorekeeping]] by the [[official scorer]]: 1 ([[pitcher]]), 2 ([[catcher]]), 3 ([[first baseman]]), 4 ([[second baseman]]), 5 ([[third baseman]]), 6 ([[shortstop]]), 7 ([[left fielder]]), 8 ([[center fielder]]), and 9 ([[right fielder]]).<ref>{{cite book|first=Lyle|last=Spatz|title=Historical Dictionary of Baseball|page=3|publisher=Scarecrow Press|year=2012|isbn=9780810879546}}</ref> Collectively, these positions are usually grouped into three groups: the [[outfield]] (left field, center field, and right field), the [[infield]] (first base, second base, third base, and shortstop), and the [[Battery (baseball)|battery]] (pitcher and catcher).  Traditionally, players within each group will often be more able to exchange positions easily (that is, a second baseman can usually play shortstop well, and a center fielder can also be expected to play right field); however, the pitcher and catcher are highly specialized positions and rarely will play at other positions.

== 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.

==Other roles==
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
*[[Designated hitter]]
*[[Pinch hitter]]
*[[Pinch runner]]
*[[Utility infielder]]
*[[Utility player#Baseball|Utility players]]
*[[Starting pitcher]]
*[[Relief pitcher]]
*[[Left-handed specialist]]
*[[Long reliever]]
*[[Middle relief pitcher|Middle reliever]]
*[[setup pitcher|Setup pitcher (setup man)]]
*[[closer (baseball)|Closer]]
{{colend}}

==Other team personnel==
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*[[Manager (baseball)|Manager]]
*[[Coach (baseball)|Coaches]]
*[[Athletic trainer]]
*[[Equipment manager]]
*[[General manager (baseball)|General manager]]
*[[Batboy]]
*[[Ball boy|Ball boy/girl]]
*[[Team physician]]
{{colend}}

==See also==
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*[[Infield shift]]
*[[Ace (baseball)]]
*[[Starting lineup]]
*[[Injury list]]
*[[Mascot#Sports mascots|Mascot]]
*[[Official scorer]]
*[[Umpire (baseball)|Umpire]]
*[[Baseball awards]]
*[[Baseball clothing and equipment]]
*[[Glossary of baseball terms]]
*[[Baseball scorekeeping]]
*[[Baseball statistics]]
*[[Fielding (cricket)]]{{colend}}

==References==
{{Commons category}}
{{reflist}}

{{BaseballPositions|state=expanded}}
{{Baseball}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Baseball Positions}}
[[Category:Baseball positions| ]]