infielders
Bases' closest guardians
Infielders are the baseball players stationed in the diamond-shaped area between the bases: first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman.
The pitcher and catcher are sometimes counted among them.
Infielders handle ground balls and defend against baserunners: The infielders shifted to the right side for the left-handed pull hitter.
Infield position, number six
- second basemanMiddle diamond defender
- first basemanFielder at initial base
- third basemanInfielder near left foul line
- keystoneArch's central locking stone
Handling balls in play
- throwingPropelling by arm motion
- scoopingLifting with curved tool
- backhandRacket stroke across body
- forehandPalm-outward racket stroke
range · footwork · glove work · arm strength · quick release · soft hands · positioning · reads
Two outs, one action
- force outCompel to leave
- tag outDismiss by contact
- ground ballBatted ball bouncing low
- line driveSharply hit ball, flat trajectory
pop fly · bunt · grounder · relay · pickoff · rundown · cutoff · charging
Movement or work period
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- depthDistance below surface
- coverageExtent of inclusion
shortstop
Infield position, number six
- second basemanMiddle diamond defender
- first basemanFielder at initial base
- third basemanInfielder near left foul line
fielding
Handling balls in play
forehand · range · footwork · glove work · arm strength · quick release · soft hands · positioning · reads · anticipation
double play
Two outs, one action
- force outCompel to leave
- tag outDismiss by contact
- ground ballBatted ball bouncing low
line drive · pop fly · bunt · grounder · relay · pickoff · rundown · cutoff · charging · pivot
shift
Movement or work period
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- depthDistance below surface
errors
Unintentional deviations from correctness
infieldersoutfielders
Baseball's perimeter players
center fielders · left fielders · right fielders · pitchers · catchers
- utility infielderMulti-position reserve player
- middle infielderShortstop or second baseman