User:SwanV98/sandbox

"The first baseman is the defensive player responsible for the area near first base. A professional first baseman is often a slow runner and tall.[citation needed] "

'''The first baseman is the defensive player responsible for the area near first base. Flexibility is an important aspect to be a first baseman. In order for the runner to be called out, the first baseman needs to stretch towards the ball and catch it before the runner reaches the base. Stretching, or even doing the splits, for throws are commonplace at first base; so, height comes in handy. Concentration is key, as it is a guarantee that most plays during a game will occur at first base. But, admittedly, first baseman does not have a lot of throwing responsibility.''' "Players who are left-handed are marginally preferable for first base because: first, it is easier for a left-handed fielder to catch a pick-off throw from the pitcher and tag the base runner; and, second, it is easier for a left handed thrower to make the throw to second base to start a 3–6–3, 3–6–4, or a 3–6–1 double play.[citation needed] "

First base is the only position where having a left-handed player is preferred. The left-handed first baseman's glove is on his right hand and that puts him closer to the fielders when a ball is thrown. It also gives him a better angle when it comes to stretching for the ball and picking up errant throws in the dirt. When an opponent bunts, the left-handed first baseman can pick up the ball and step directly toward second or third base to make a throw. The three positions that make up the baseball outfield are the right fielder, center fielder, and left fielder. These players are responsible for catching fly balls as well as running down baseballs that make it through the infield. Any of these positions will benefit from good speed, but typically the center fielder needs to be the fastest runner as they have more area of the field they need to cover. The left fielder needs to be a strong defensive player as a lot of hits go to left field. The right fielder needs a strong arm as they often need to throw out runners going to third base or home plate. Primarily, catchers are responsible for catching all pitches thrown by their teams' pitchers, often suggesting pitch selection by way of pre-pitch hand signals displayed between their legs and out of sight from the opposing team. Catchers must have a strong throwing arm. They need to be able to catch a pitch, rise quickly, and make a strong throw to second base or third. This is to keep base runners from stealing a base. Additionally, catchers block pitches thrown into the dirt in front of home plate and "frame" pitches close to the strike zone by slightly moving their catcher's mitts back toward the strike zone after catching pitches. Catchers play a psychological role, too, taking the occasional trip to the mound to calm a pitcher down or offer advice when he is struggling