The Outfield
The three outfielders are positioned so as to best be able to catch or field balls that are batted over or through the infield. The three outfield positions are left fielder, centre fielder, and right fielder. Outfielders must be able to judge the trajectory of flies and have enough speed to run to the point where the ball will come down. Batted or thrown balls that pass beyond the infielders along the ground must be run down and picked up by the outfielders. Outfielders adjust their positions in response to each batter's hitting tendencies. Strong throwing arms are essential, as is accuracy in throwing the ball to the right point in the infield. Right fielders typically have the strongest and most accurate throwing arms among outfielders. The centre fielder is chosen for his speed and expert judgment of fly balls. The centre fielder not only stations himself at a strategic point for each batter but often directs the playing positions of his outfield teammates. Almost invariably the most skillful defensive outfielders in baseball history, such as Tris Speaker, Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, and Ken Griffey, Jr., have been centre fielders.
Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 5 Jan. 2008