Baseball Positions: Catcher Is the Best

By David J Weller

Catcher is the best position on the baseball field. Catchers are in command of the defense. They are the ones that work with the pitchers. Catchers keep runners from taking extra bases. They also have a keen understanding of the game.

Catchers are in command of the defense. They are the only players that have a view of the entire field in front of them. They can see all of the runners, all of the defenders, and the ball. This view helps the catcher direct where to throw the ball.

Catchers work with the pitchers. They are the ones that call the pitches. They decide what pitches have been working, which ones will work against this hitter, and what location the pitcher should aim for. Catchers keep the pitchers in the zone. When the pitcher needs a breather, the catcher goes out to the mound to talk to the pitcher. A good catcher can bring out the best in a pitcher.

Catchers keep runners from taking extra bases. They do this in many ways. First of all, on a base hit, the catcher calls for the fielder to throw to certain bases in order to keep runners from advancing. Once a runner is on, the catcher blocks bad pitches and keeps the ball in front of them, thus keeping the runner from taking another base. And finally, the catcher throws out runners attempting to steal bases. All of these things make it harder for the opponent to score.

Catchers have a very good understanding of the game. They know the different game situations and how to handle them. They know where the defense should play against different hitters in different situations. Catchers understand the strengths and weaknesses of their pitchers, their defense, and the other team's hitters. They use this understanding to create opportunities for their team. Because of this understanding, many catchers make good managers after their career is over.

So there you have it. Catcher is the best position to play. They are the captain of the defense. Catchers work with the pitchers to bring out the best in them. They keep runners from taking extra bases, which makes it harder for the other team to score. And they use their knowledge of the game to help their team win ball games.

If you are a catcher, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Yogi Berra, Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk, Ted Simmons, Gary Carter, Tony Peña, Ivan Rodriguez, the Molina brothers (Bengie, Jose, and Yadier), Jonathan Lucroy, Buster Posey, and Joe Mauer.

Here are some former catchers who managed in the Major Leagues: Bruce Bochy, Bob Boone, Yogi Berra, Ned Yost, Joe Girardi, Mike Scioscia, Joe Torre, Mike Matheny, Joe Madden, and Jim Leyland. All four of the managers of the 2012 Championship series (Bochy, Girardi, Leyland, Matheny) were catchers.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.

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Baseball Positions: First Baseman Is the Best

By David J Weller

First Base is the best position on the baseball field. First basemen are involved in nearly all of the ground ball outs. They need the ability to catch or block bad throws from the other infielders. On deep fly balls where a runner could score, they act as the cutoff man to home. And for left handers, first base is a great position for you.

A first baseman's primary job is to receive throws from infielders on ground balls, thus completing an out. Most ground outs end with the first baseman catching the ball. A very important skill of first basemen is the ability to catch or block bad throws for the other infielders. A good first baseman helps create outs and prevents runners from advancing.

On a hit to the outfield where a runner might score, the first baseman acts as a cutoff man to home. This means that the first baseman will line themselves up between the outfielder and the catcher and either make sure the ball gets to the catcher or reroutes the ball to another base to get an out.

Left handers enjoy an advantage at first base. If there is a need to throw to another base, a left handed first baseman does not need to reposition in order to throw the ball. Also, when receiving a throw from one of the other infielders, they do not need to turn their back to the infield.

So there you have it. First base is the best position to play. First basemen are involved on most of the ground balls that are hit. They block bad throws from the other infielders, keeping runners from taking extra bases. And left handed first basemen enjoy an advantage over right handers.

If you are a first baseman, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Lou Gehrig, Frank Chance, Orlando Cepeda, Jimmie Foxx, Harmon Killebrew, Willie McCovey, Eddie Murray, Keith Hernandez, Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and Don Mattingly.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths. It is my hope that coaches can use this series to help inspire a love for the game of baseball.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_J_Weller

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Baseball Positions: Second Baseman Is the Best

By David J Weller

Second Base is the best position on the baseball field. Second basemen need to have a good range. They also need to have quick hands and quick feet. Second basemen are vital in turning double plays. Often, when a runner is stealing second, the second baseman covers the bag. And they also act as the cutoff man for balls hit to right field or right-center field.

A second baseman needs to have a good range. They cover between second base and the first baseman. Most first baseman have a smaller range, mainly because they need to stay close to first base. Therefore, the second baseman needs to cover just a little more ground. It helps to have quick reflexes in order to cover that ground.

Second basemen need quick hands and quick feet. The quick feet allow them to get to more balls. The quick hands get the ball out of the glove fast which allows the second baseman to get the throw off quickly. The combination of quick hands and quick feet allows the second baseman to get to more ground balls and make more plays.

Those quick hands and feet also help on a double play. A second baseman needs to be able to catch a ball, pivot, throw to first, and avoid the runner. Being able to do that prevents runs and gives the team a better chance to win. After all, the double play is a pitcher's best friend.

Second basemen often cover second base on a stolen base attempt. This is another example of quick hands and feet coming in very handy for a second baseman. Getting to second base quickly on a stolen base attempt is important because it gives the catcher a better target to throw to. The quick hands allow the second baseman to catch the throw and apply the tag quickly.

Second basemen are crucial to the cutoff throw. When a ball is hit to right or right-center field, the second baseman gets between the outfielder and the base they are throwing to. The idea is to create a shorter throw for the outfielder. And once again, quick hands and quick feet come in to play. When the second baseman receives this throw, they need to pivot, transfer the ball from the glove to the throwing hand, and throw an accurate ball to a base in an attempt to get the runner out.

So there you have it. Second base is the best position to play. Second basemen have a good range. They also have quick hands and quick feet. They are vital in turning double plays. They cover second base on stolen base attempts, and they act as the cutoff man for balls hit to right and right-center field.

If you are a second baseman, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Roberto Alomar, Jackie Robinson, Rogers Hornsby, Bill Mazeroski, Joe Morgan, Ryne Sandberg, Jim Gantner, Craig Biggio, Dustin Pedroia, and Rickie Weeks.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_J_Weller

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Baseball Positions: Shortstop Is the Best

By David J Weller

Shortstop is the best position on the baseball field. Shortstops are the captains of the infield. They make some of the more spectacular plays. Shortstops have a large range and a strong arm. They are also involved in double plays.

Shortstops are the captain of the infield. They make sure the other infielders are aware of the situation. Shortstops communicate with the second baseman about who is going to cover the base on a stolen base or a double play started by the pitcher. And on an infield pop fly, it is the shortstop that makes sure there is not a collision between infielders trying to catch the ball.

Shortstops often make spectacular plays. On a play to their right, they have to get to the ball and turn around to throw all the way across the field. Also, with all of the ground that they cover, there are many plays in which they run and/or dive, then have to throw quickly for a close play at first base.

Shortstops have very strong arms. Because they are positioned on the left side of the infield and they play further from the hitter than the third baseman, they have less time to get the throw off to first base. On balls hit to their right, they have to throw in the opposite direction of their momentum. Since they can't use their body on these throws, it is done mainly with arm strength.

Shortstops are involved in many double plays. Their quickness and arm strength are crucial in turning the double play. Good shortstops will kill many rallies by turning a double play, giving their team a better chance of winning.

So there you have it. Shortstop is the best position to play. They are the captain of the infield. Shortstops have a large range and use their strong arms to make some spectacular plays. And they are critical in turning the double play.

If you are a shortstop, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Pee Wee Reese, Phil Rizzuto, Honus Wagner, Dave Concepción, Ozzie Smith, Robin Yount, Cal Ripken Jr., Alex Rodriquez, Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, and Jose Reyes.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_J_Weller

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