What Does That Guy Do? A Guide to Baseball Positions
Something a lot of people who don't follow baseball struggle with is the concept of what exactly each position does. Generally, each position on a baseball field is unique and requires different skills, and a player who is great at one position might be bad at another one. My goal today is to provide context.
In this diatribe, I will describe what exactly each position does, going in order of traditional scorekeeping numbers. I will cover each position, including both starting and relief pitchers as well as the designated hitter.
1 - The Pitcher
The pitcher is the one everyone can describe- the pitcher throws the ball to try to get the batter out. They can do this in a few ways, but the mathematically best is to strike them out- throwing three pitches into the strike zone and forcing them out.
Most pitchers you can name are starters. The starting pitcher is in play from the beginning of the game to about the 5th to 7th inning, and their job is to ensure as few people get on base as possible.
If a starting pitcher gets tired, hurt or just psyched out, the manager can bring in a relief pitcher. A relief pitcher is usually a pitcher that either wasn't able to have enough stamina or versatility to be a starter, or is just too specialized to start games. Most relievers are fairly anonymous, and languish in what's called the bullpen until they are asked to pitch. If a reliever gets really good, they can become what's called a closer, and pitch in the 9th inning to end the game.
Starter Examples: Sandy Alcantara (Marlins), Paul Skenes (Pirates) Reliever Examples: Mason Miller (Padres), Ryan Helsley (Orioles)
2 - The Catcher
This is the most complex position to explain to someone that doesn't follow baseball. The catcher has several jobs, all of which are important but all of which are difficult to explain to someone new to baseball. I will go over the main ones here.
A catcher, first and foremost, is supposed to assist the pitcher. They tell the pitcher what to throw, traditionally using hand signs but today being assisted by a special radio. The pitcher is not bound by game rules to obey the catcher (though most managers expect them to) but rather is guided on what to do. The catcher also catches every pitch.
In order to assist the pitcher, some catchers do a technique called "framing", which is where they catch the ball in a way that makes it difficult for the umpire to know if it's a strike or not. This can occasionally cause an umpire to call a pitch outside the strike zone a strike, and so good framing is very useful.
Catchers also have an additional responsibility. Whenever a player attempts to steal a base (by running to the next base without a hit), the catcher tries to tag them out by throwing to the base they're running to in order to get them out. This necessitates great arm strength and a keen eye by the catcher.
Catchers tend to prioritize defensive work and working as part of a team rather than being a superstar in their own right. Although most catchers can hit decently well at higher levels, this is the most excusable position to not hit well in.
Examples: Shea Langliers (Athletics), Cal Raleigh (Mariners)
3 - First Base
The first baseman (there is unfortunately not a widely accepted gender neutral phrasing) is arguably the one with the easiest defensive job- to catch the ball and run to first base, so that the batter grounds out. This is not especially challenging for most players, though it does take a bit of practice as all positions do.
Uniquely, the first baseman is almost mandated to be at very least a decent hitter. Many first basemen are well known for their power hitting, and the greatest totals of home runs in the sport are hogged by first basemen. A first baseman stays in the lineup on offense, not defense.
Examples: Munetaka Murakami (White Sox), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays)
4 - Second Base
The second baseman is possibly the most forgettable role in baseball. Their task is similar to the first baseman in that they protect their base, albeit it usually requires a good throwing arm and a bit of running as well. It's a difficult and often thankless job they have, with second basemen often being overshadowed by the shortstop.
No one trains to be a second baseman. The vast majority of second basemen in the Major Leagues are players who trained as a shortstop but who couldn't move fast enough to keep the job. Still, they remain an important part of the game, and they can make a name for themselves if they try.
Examples: Brice Turang (Brewers), Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks)
5 - Third Base
The third baseman, as one would except, protects third base, but they have a unique other duty- they pick up the ball when it's hit close to them and throw it to first to prevent singles. Third basemen are usually good defensive players who can throw accurately while maintaining decent running speed.
Third basemen are often forgotten, even by the Hall of Fame which has fewer of them than any other position, but they are an extremely important part of play. Their defensive contributions can be the most notable on a team, and it's hard to miss when they screw up. Most of them are also fair hitters as well in modern baseball.
Examples: Matt Chapman (Giants), Austin Riley (Braves)
6 - Shortstop
If you are a shortstop, you are quick, you can throw, and you are likely to be a young hotshot with loads of potential. The shortstop arguably is the most important defensive position aside from catcher, as their job is to guard any base that is otherwise unoccupied when an infielder needs to grab the ball. A shortstop is wherever they are needed- though usually somewhere between second and third base.
Shortstops tend to be the most versatile and youngest players, though when in doubt defensive ability is prioritized. They tend to use their speed to compensate for any shortcomings in offense, though many shortstops are what are called five-tool players- good enough at power hitting, contact hitting, speed, throwing and catching to have no real weaknesses.
Examples: Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals), Elly de la Cruz (Reds)
7 - The Left Fielder
Whenever a player is in a corner outfield (right or left field) position, they are someone to watch out for in hitting. Outfielders usually have the most respected bats, the best baserunning ability and the most offensive potential.
Defensively, an outfielder does one thing- they catch balls that go their way, and they throw them back to the infield. This benefits from a strong and accurate throwing arm, as well as decent running ability. However, this is one of the simpler defensive positions to play.
Examples: Juan Soto (Mets), Wyatt Langford (Rangers)
8 - The Center Fielder
A center fielder is basically a supercharged version of the other outfielders. They have the unique issue of having to run either left or right on a dime to make catches, which is much harder than it sounds. The center fielder is also the most likely player to make what is called a home run robbery by jumping over the fence to catch the ball before it hits the ground- the most exciting of defensive plays.
Centerfielders usually aren't very powerful with their bats. It's rare for them to hit for power, and they usually either lead off using their running speed or hit lower in the lineup.
Examples: Mike Trout (Angels), Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs)
9 - The Right Fielder
The Right Fielder is, in many ways, the most variable position. At an amateur or little league level, playing right field is usually where the weakest fielders go, as it is difficult to hit the ball into the right field with a right-handed batting stance.
At a Major League level, the role of Right Fielder is more based on where the home team actually plays. Some argue that playing left or right field is basically interchangable in terms of skills at higher levels, but this can vary- for instance, Citi Field has a more hostile right field than a left field, but this is not true for other ballparks.
Examples: Aaron Judge (Yankees), Wilyer Abreu (Red Sox)
0 - The Designated Hitter
The Designated Hitter was the last baseball position to develop, and is the most controversial. Some leagues don't even observe it as legitimate or only adopted it very recently, including the National League of Major League baseball. Put simply, the designated hitter subs in for the pitcher when batting. What else do they do? Nothing. Some argue it takes away from the strategy of the game and removes the element of a hitting pitcher, but nowadays, the controversy has died down significantly.
The designated hitter is by necessity good at offense, and must justify their inclusion on that alone. Most of the time, this is either a position that rotates between whoever needs rest or the position given to the worst fielder on the time.
There is also one special designated hitter- the two way player. A pitcher can still try to hit if they wish to, but most pitchers cannot hit well enough to do so on an MLB field. Currently, only one pitcher can actually play as a two way player- Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Examples: Kyle Schwarber (Phillies), Yordan Alvarez (Astros)
