Young players getting into the game had to go around several positions, progressing from the tee ball to the senior league levels, to condition themselves for personal growth.
But having learned several baseball positions can especially be daunting when the player is soon compelled to focus on one position.
But gaining a solid grasp on the position would increase the chances of fully owning it.
Read on to learn “what baseball position should you play?”.
Contents
What Position Should I Play in Baseball?
The best position in baseball to learn and play is the one that is either the easiest or the most important position in the game. Thus, we will identify specific baseball positions in this article based on the two given qualities: easiest and most important.
1. The Easiest Baseball Position
Experts point to the right fielder as the easiest position in baseball. The right fielder (RF) is assigned as a defensive player in the outfield, where he is to take into account the events that happen in the outfield.
- Right fielders should easily count on the most muscular arm in the team’s designated outfield circle to throw the ball from the right field across the diamond and into third base.
- Right fielders must also do a quick reaction to keep base runners from advancing to third base.
- This baseball position is slightly easier than the other positions because its main challenge, the fly ball, gets to be batted by left-handed players who merely comprise 20% of the major league players. The rest of the 80% are right-handed hitters.
So what does being easy imply in this case?
Perhaps, the truth about the right fielder being the easiest position in baseball will have to do with its relationship with the rest of the positions. Without the means for comparison, the easiest position, or at least its idea, remains non-existent.
The second truth about the easiest position will be that it perfectly complements the player’s existing skills and physique.
According to experts, there is no easy position in baseball, only coincidentally and strategically advantageous ones.
The ease and difficulty of a position in baseball depend entirely on the infield or outfield expectations, the conveniences of either right or left, the existing skill of other players in a team, and the player’s actual skill against the position.
But at least, based on the facts mentioned above, the right fielder role is positioned in a strategic location: the location with the slightest contact with fly balls.
But that is just about it. There is not a guarantee that it is the easiest, only speculation. In the end, any of the nine baseball positions can end up being the easiest one for you.
What matters, in the end, is that you were able to thoroughly go through these positions, weigh in the possibilities, and consult with your coaches and team leaders before making the decision.
Why Should You Play the Easiest Baseball Position?
As we mentioned earlier, the easiest baseball position is also the one that complements the player’s existing skills and physique. And if a player is aiming to land a serious career in baseball, he is to focus on one position ideally.
Thus, once a player has determined the easiest position for him through practice, he will stick with it for good.
Take note that the player personally and internally determines what is easy. So although your team’s coach and leaders could walk you through it, you are the first to know if the baseball position is easy for you.
If you started playing baseball as a kid, you should easily get an idea of which position is right for you.
2. The Most Important Baseball Position
The pitcher position is agreed to be the most important position in baseball to play and master. The pitching (P) position is the most strategic first line of defense during a game. As he fronts the team’s line of defense, he strongly influences the possibilities for the opposing team to score.
Why Should You Master the Most Important Baseball Position?
There is only one good reason you have to begin learning and mastering the most important position: a sure chance to play in, contribute to, and become part of a team.
In other words, it speeds up the process of you being signed up for a team.
If you learn how to pitch, you will be an extensively important asset to the team. On the contrary, it would be so much of a pressure for you.
Learning the most important position pressures the player not to make a single mistake (if possible). That is because it holds other positions together. Being in a crucial role should greatly influence your team’s chances to either score or not score at all.
How to Know if the Position Is Right for You?
Here are some helpful questions you should ask yourself to know which baseball position is right for you:
Does fielding ground balls sound easy for you?
If you are still thinking at this point that an outfielde is simply a corner for bottom players, better think again.
Fielding ground balls require an excellent brain for determining which incoming ball should be charged or stayed back at.
So unless you are agile and can turn a ball at close contact in an outfield, do not ever consider outfielder.
How many steps do you take before going to full speed?
The main point of this question is to have an in-depth understanding of your speed nuances and quality. As it turns out, plain fast pace is not anywhere in baseball.
Thus, you will have to know if you can go full speed at first or second speed.
The answer to this question should help determine if you are right off as an infielder or outfielder.
Are you slow but have the best hand in the team?
Note that not everything in baseball is running. So if you think you are not fast enough, do not be disappointed right away since you can still see if you have quick and great hands that can resist a bit of pain. If you do, then you are right off as a catcher.]
The baseball position numbers (for your reference) accordingly fall in this order:
- Pitcher is first fielder
- Catcher is second
- First baseman is third
- Second Baseman is fourth
- Third Baseman is fifth
- Shortstop is sixth
- Left Fielder is seventh
- Center Fielder is eight
- Rright Fielder is ninth
How Are the Nine Baseball Positions Grouped?
All positions in baseball (9) are grouped based on three areas, namely, infield, outfield, and battery.
The positions belonging to the infield group include the shortstop, 1st baseman, 2nd baseman, and 3rd baseman.
The positions in the outfield are, namely, the right field, center field, and left field.
Conclusion
In this article, you learned the answer “what baseball position should you master and play.” From what emerged in research, the easiest and most important baseball position (any position) warrants learning.
Learning the easiest baseball position increases your chances of becoming an expert in that position and its roles. On the other hand, learning the most important position makes you both an asset and an essential line of defense for your team.
A powerful swing and the ball is flying across the field, just one hit, and we might never forget the thrill it brings. I do not know about you, but I never do. Every baseball game is the chance to compete with others and cooperate with your teammate. It is among my biggest passions.
