PLAYER POSITIONS

*pitcher: Position opposite home plate; this player throws the ball to the opposing batter, using various pitches to try to prevent the batter from obtaining a hit.
*catcher: Position behind home plate; this player catches the ball thrown by the pitcher and indicates the type of pitch to throw to retire the batter.
*first baseman: Position near first base that takes part in most defensive plays; the batter is retired if the first baseman, ball in hand, touches the base before the batter.
*third baseman: Position near third base; this player needs a powerful arm to throw the ball directly to first base when the situation calls for it.
*right fielder: Position that covers right field; if a fielder catches the ball before it touches the ground, the batter is retired.
*second baseman: Position near the second base. This player, like all other infielders, retires an opponent by tagging the runner, ball in hand, before the runner reaches base.
*center fielder: Position in center field; covering the greatest area, this player anticipates where the ball will be hit and coordinates the positions of the outfielders.
*left fielder: Position that covers left field; if a fielder catches the ball before it touches the ground, the batter is retired.
*shortstop: Position between second and third base; this player’s role is to catch a ball hit in that direction and relay it to a teammate, depending on the game situation.