How to play left field
Left field is one of the most difficult positions to play in baseball. It takes a special skill set to play left field well. You have to be quick, have good range, be able to make really tough plays and have a strong arm. Most of the fly balls thrown to the outfield go to the left fielders and they are expected to catch almost every pitch. Read on to learn how to properly patrol the left side of the outfield.
The first tip for playing well in left field is to know your surroundings. This means that you have to know where the sun is, which way the wind is blowing and how the ball bounces on the grass of the field. By doing this, you’ll be prepared to make a play on every ball you’re hit with. It won’t be fooled by any flying ball.
The second tip for playing left field is to get a good read early on. “Shoeless” Joe Jackson was said to be so good at getting reads early on that he was able to start running before the ball was hit. Although it’s probably a myth, he was a great left fielder who had great reach. Getting a good read early on is essential to being a good left fielder. He will make sure that he can have the best possible chance of catching fly balls. Getting a big jump can also make up for a slower-than-average left fielder. I’d rather pick a slower player who gets a good read early on than a fast player who doesn’t.
The third tip for playing left field is to know the hitter. You have to know if he’s a pullout hitter or an opposite field hitter. Knowing this will determine where to stand in left field. For example, if you’re playing left field and a right-handed hitter with a penchant for pulling is hitting, you should play him close to the line. He’s unlikely to hit one into the space between left center and center if he’s a throw hitter.
While some people view left field as a place to play for kids who aren’t good fielders, this certainly shouldn’t be the case. It takes a special type of player to play this position. Ted Williams, Barry Bond, Stan Musial, Rickey Henderson, and Joe Jackson are considered some of the greatest baseball players in history. Guess what? All were versatile left fielders.