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Positions

All NFL MLB NBA MLS World Cup

Top-down view of a baseball diamond with all 9 fielding positions plus the batter at home plate. Tap any player to read its glossary entry.

Home 1B 2B 3B P Pitcher: Position 1. Throws every pitch from the mound (60'6" from home plate). C Catcher: Position 2. Crouches behind home; calls pitches and throws out base stealers. 1B First Baseman: Position 3. Receives infield throws to put out batters. 2B Second Baseman: Position 4. Covers right of 2nd; turns double plays. SS Shortstop: Position 6. Covers between 2nd and 3rd; usually the team's best infield defender. 3B Third Baseman: Position 5. The 'hot corner' — fields hard-hit balls down the line. LF Left Fielder: Position 7. Patrols left field. CF Center Fielder: Position 8. Deepest, fastest outfielder; covers the most ground. RF Right Fielder: Position 9. Strongest outfield throwing arm; long throws to third base. B Batter: Stands in the right- or left-handed batter's box; tries to put the ball in play or earn a walk.

Fielders & batter

For novice viewers

  • The defense puts 9 fielders on the field — 1 pitcher, 1 catcher, 4 infielders (1B, 2B, SS, 3B), and 3 outfielders (LF, CF, RF).
  • Position numbers (used in scoring) follow a fixed order: 1=Pitcher, 2=Catcher, 3=1B, 4=2B, 5=3B, 6=SS, 7=LF, 8=CF, 9=RF. "6-4-3" means a double play SS → 2B → 1B.
  • The shortstop covers between 2nd and 3rd base — they handle more grounders than any other infielder.
  • The center fielder is usually the fastest outfielder; they have priority on any fly ball they can reach.