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Being A Smart Outfielder
Amanda Freed: Being a smart outfielder
October 29, 2008 1:25 AM
By Amanda Freed
Our team just solidified a spot in the playoffs today, the first time Denso has made it in their existence. Our team is really excited! Right now I'm sitting on the bus on our way home and I decided to pop in the movie Benchwarmers for a good laugh. Do you remember when Gus put Clark in the outfield where he sat Indian style in center field wearing a bike helmet and playing with bugs? I thought, this just feeds into that terrible rumor that started years ago when we were all just playing tee ball. That rumor is that you put your weakest players in the outfield.
Maybe it's safe to put a weak player out there when you're six and seven years old and the ball rarely leaves the infield, but as you get older and the game gets tougher, outfield becomes one of the more difficult positions.
Often times you can turn a great athlete into an outfielder, and we see this quite a bit, but it takes a lot of practice, and a huge amount of discipline to be a great outfielder. Great outfielders are smart, quick, always thinking ahead of the game, and always anticipating their next play. Outfielders do not always have set plays, they must be flexible and aware of the game at all times. Afterall, besides the catcher, outfielders are the only ones who have the entire field in view.
The most difficult part about playing the outfield is keeping your head in the game every pitch of every inning. Falling asleep for one pitch could make a huge difference in a close ball game. Great outfielders are always thinking ahead. If the ball is hit to me, where is my play?
As an infielder, knowing where to go when the ball is hit to you can be pretty obvious. Outfield is a very strategic position. All plays are circumstantial, meaning, where you make your play depends on a number of things including if runners are on base, the speed of the runners, how many outs, the score, and the speed and distance of the ball hit to you. Because it is not feasible for me know every situation off the top of my head, let alone to cover them all in an article, I'll talk about a few that come up quite often but can be overlooked.
• Situation #1: Line drive hit down the left or right field line.
Knowing when to leave your feet and when to take a deep angle is important as a corner outfielder. I think the easiest outfield position to play is centerfield. You do have a lot of responsibility as dictator of the outfield, but you have a more direct view of the hitter, angles are easier to read off the bat, and most balls hit towards centerfield have true spin (they don't curve).
The corner outfielders have to make more judgment calls. You might be asking yourself when the outfielder should attempt to make a diving catch. Unfortunately, there are times when too much hustle can hurt you. As a corner outfielder, you have to be aware that if you dive for a ball down the line, you are risking missing the catch and allowing the ball to roll past. Because the centerfielder cannot be there in time to back you up, a single has now turned into a multiple base hit. Unless it is a game-winning situation, diving for a line drive down the line is risky. Now, if it is a pop fly on the line, you have a lot more leniency, because think about it, if you miss the catch, the ball won't roll very far so chances are you can recover and keep the runner to one base. Balls in the gap are almost always an all out effort because someone should always be there to back you up.
Remember, this is not a rule etched in stone. Depending on the score, two outs vs. less than two outs, speed of the runner, who's on deck, etc. can alter your decision to dive down the line.
• Situation #2: Runner on second base, one out, and there's a fly ball hit directly between the right and center fielders.
The centerfielder always has priority over right and left field but in a case like this, the right fielder has a better angle to come through the ball and throw the runner out tagging from second to third. If you are a right handed right fielder, you will be catching the ball over your throwing-shoulder and you should not have to take too big of a detour to be able to get in line to third base. The right handed center fielder would have a much more difficult time getting around the ball and would also be catching it over her glove side forcing her to take time to set up for a good throw.
Think about who would have priority if the same ball was hit and you are a left-handed right fielder playing with a left-handed center fielder. If the center fielder can get around the ball it will probably be an easier play for her because the ball is landing on her throwing shoulder. Never set in stone, remember that!
• Situation #3: Runner on thirrd base, less than two outs, tied score, and a deep FOUL fly ball is hit to the left fielder.
Whatever it takes, you've got to resist the urge to catch the ball. If you're at a distance where the runner would not tag or if she does you can make a strong throw home in plenty of time, then make the play. But if the ball is hit deep enough for the runner to tag and score, let the ball drop and give your pitcher another opportunity to get the hitter out. When a play like this happens, get to the line, know where it is, and be sure that ball is foul. If the score is lopsided one way or the other, especially if your team is ahead by a significant amount, catch the ball and just get the out.
Every play, including these three that we talked about, depends on what's happening in the game at that time. This is why it is essential for outfielders to be mentally tough enough to be in the game every pitch of every inning. One thing that is set in stone is that with every hitter that steps to the plate, the outfielders should have something to communicate to each other. "I'm shifting toward the line. Deep fly ball we're throwing to second. Deep foul, let it drop. She hit it hard to you last time. Let's play a little deeper, wind's blowing out." As simple as this sounds, communication between outfielders could be endless. You may not even get a ball for two games, but when you do, best be prepared!
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