However, this is not the case they can be used for anything that needs to be done during a game. The term "utility player" can be confusing because it implies that these individuals are only used for one purpose. If the score is close, the manager may choose to use this player instead of risking injury to a more valuable member of the team. Similarly, if someone gets injured and needs to be removed from the field, a utility player can replace them.įinally, there is an option player who comes into games as late as possible during extra innings. For example, if the coach feels that the pitcher isn't getting enough hitters out, he can replace her with the utility player. A utility player can be used for any situation that arises during a game. For example, if the pitcher gets hurt, the catcher will have to fill in at that spot. In addition to these two basic positions, other players may be used during game action. As with the shortstop, the third baseman has many duties including batting and throwing. This is the diagonal corner opposite the first base. The third baseman will use the remaining base. This is possibly the most difficult position to play on the field. The shortstop is a versatile and athletic player with several responsibilities, including catching and fielding. What is the hardest base to play in softball? One plays first base and the other plays third base. At the major league level, there are two short stops on each team. He usually stands between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 1 inch. Typically, the short stop is a strong, athletic man who can run and jump. If the ball gets past him, it is his job to chase it down. He must be able to field balls hit to the right side as well as those to the left. Overall, the short stop is responsible for playing defense throughout the entire infield. A poor defender here can really hurt your team. In fact, the ability to get to grounders is so important that many coaches will tell you that it is more valuable than an effective arm at short. The short stop also has the responsibility of tagging up dirt runners who come around from behind the bag. This is because he is always on the lookout for foul balls which would otherwise go undetected. The short stop is one of the most important positions in baseball. However, this duty is generally left to the second baseman or the center fielder when the shortstop is also playing that position. In addition, the shortstop, like a third baseman, fields balls hit to the left side of the infield, where a powerful arm is required to throw out a batter-runner before they reach the safety of first base. Where does the shortstop stand in the infield? Some players who have less than 10 years of service time are still eligible to be drafted straight out of high school if they are deemed worthy by major league teams. The majority of middle infielders play at least 100 games during their career.
Others who have good range but lack the stick to keep runners off base are worth keeping an eye on. Some major league shortstops have a lifetime ERA of over 5.00 because they can't cover any ground. It is not unusual for shortstops to hit well above average or even moderately well above average however, some players who have worn the helmet have been very poor defenders. If a runner gets to first base, the shortstop will often go into a running posture and attempt to tag him out. Generally, they stay up in the air while making these decisions, but there are times when they must descend in order to catch a ball. Shortstops usually work out of an upright stance, but there are times when they will need to get down in order to make a play.
A shortstop needs to be able to handle himself in right field too, since there are only so many opportunities available. The position's concentration on defense makes it exceptionally tough to fill. Depending on the system, the shortstop may cut balls from left field approaching home however, this is normally handled by the third baseman.