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{{Short description|Defensive position in baseball}}
{{Unreferenced|date=August 2007}}
{{redirect|Center field| Centerfield|Centerfield (disambiguation)}}

[[Image:Baseball CF.svg|thumb|right|The position of the center fielder]]
[[Image:Baseball CF.svg|thumb|right|The position of the center fielder]]
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A '''center fielder''', abbreviated '''CF''', is the [[outfielder]] in [[baseball]] who plays defense in '''center field''' – the [[Baseball positions|baseball and softball fielding position]] between [[Left fielder|left field]] and [[Right fielder|right field]]. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the center fielder is assigned the number 8.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://baseballtrainingworld.com/understanding-every-baseball-position-and-their-role/|title=Understanding Every Baseball Position and Their Role|website=BaseballTrainingWorld.com|first=Steve|last=Nelson|date=December 4, 2020}}</ref>


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==Position description==
⚫
A '''center fielder''', abbreviated ''CF'', is the [[outfielder]] in [[baseball]] who plays defense in '''center field''' – the [[Baseball positions|baseball fielding position]] between [[Left fielder|left field]] and [[Right fielder|right field]]. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the center fielder is assigned the number 8.
⚫
Outfielders must cover large distances, so speed, instincts and quickness to react to the ball are key. They must be able to catch fly balls above their heads and on the run. They must be able to throw the ball accurately over a long distance to be effective.

⚫
== Position description ==
⚫
Outfielders must cover large distances, so speed, instincts and quickness to react to the ball are key. They must be able to catch fly balls above their head and on the run. They must be able to throw the ball accurately over a long distance to be effective. Amateur players may find it difficult to concentrate on the game, since they are so far from the action. Emphasizing the correct position will give outfield players something to concentrate on at each pitch.


As well as the requirements above, the center fielder will be the outfielder who has the best combination of speed and throwing distance. The center fielder ''covers more 'grass' than any other player'' (see photo) and, most likely, will catch the most fly balls. The center fielder also has the greatest responsibility among the three outfielders for coordinating their play to prevent collisions when converging on a fly ball, and on plays where he does not make the catch, he must position himself behind the corner outfielder in case the ball gets past him. He is the captain of the outfield and has the authority to call off the corner fielders when he thinks he can catch the ball. Aside from requiring more speed and range, the center field position is slightly easier to field because balls tend to fly on a straight path, rather than curving as they do for the other outfield positions. A center fielder's vision and depth perception for that matter is a coveted skill and must be considered above average. Because the center fielder requires a good arm and fast legs, center field is generally the position where the team puts its best all-around athletes; as a result, center fielders are often fine hitters as well. Many center fielders are renowned as excellent batters and base runners.
As well as the requirements above, the center fielder must be the outfielder who has the best combination of speed and throwing distance. The center fielder "covers more 'grass' than any other player" (see photo) and, most likely, will catch the most fly balls. The position also has the greatest responsibility among the three outfielders for coordinating their play to prevent collisions when converging on a fly ball, and on plays where the center fielder does not make the catch, he must position himself behind the corner outfielder as backup. The center outfielder is the captain of the outfield and has the authority to call off the corner fielders when he has a better chance to catch the ball. Aside from requiring more speed and range, the center field position is slightly easier to field because balls tend to fly on a straight path, rather than curving as they do for the other outfield positions. A center fielder's vision and depth perception is a coveted skill and must be above average. Because the position requires a good arm and fast legs, center field is generally where the team puts its best all-around athletes; as a result, center fielders are often fine hitters as well. Many center fielders are renowned as excellent batters and base runners.


[[File:Minute Maid Park Centerfield.JPG|thumb|View from center field at [[Minute Maid Park]].]]
[[File:Minute Maid Park Centerfield.JPG|thumb|View from center field at [[Minute Maid Park]].]]
When a base runner is trying to steal second base the center fielder must back up [[Second baseman|second base]] on throws from the [[catcher]] to second base in case the second basemen misses the catch or it is a bad throw.
When a base runner is trying to steal second base the center fielder must back up [[Second baseman|second base]] on throws from the [[catcher]] to second base in case the second baseman misses the catch or it is a bad throw.


==Hall of Fame center fielders==
==Hall of Fame center fielders==
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
{|
|valign="top"|
* [[Richie Ashburn]]
* [[Richie Ashburn]]
* [[Earl Averill]]
* [[Earl Averill]]
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* [[Max Carey]]
* [[Max Carey]]
* [[Oscar Charleston]]
* [[Oscar Charleston]]
|width="10"| 
|valign="top"|
* [[Ty Cobb]]
* [[Ty Cobb]]
* [[Earle Combs]]
* [[Earle Combs]]
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* [[Larry Doby]]
* [[Larry Doby]]
* [[Hugh Duffy]]
* [[Hugh Duffy]]
* [[Ken Griffey Jr.]]
* [[Billy Hamilton (baseball, born 1866)|Billy Hamilton]]
* [[Billy Hamilton (baseball, born 1866)|Billy Hamilton]]
|width="10"| 
|valign="top"|
* [[Pete Hill]]
* [[Pete Hill]]
* [[Mickey Mantle]]
* [[Mickey Mantle]]
Line 38: Line 33:
* [[Edd Roush]]
* [[Edd Roush]]
* [[Duke Snider]]
* [[Duke Snider]]
|width="10"| 
|valign="top"|
* [[Tris Speaker]]
* [[Tris Speaker]]
* [[Turkey Stearnes]]
* [[Turkey Stearnes]]
Line 46: Line 39:
* [[Zack Wheat]]
* [[Zack Wheat]]
* [[Hack Wilson]]
* [[Hack Wilson]]
* [[Robin Yount]] (also played [[shortstop]])
* [[Robin Yount]] (played over half his games at [[shortstop]])
{{Div col end}}
|}


==See also==
==See also==
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* [[Outfield]]
* [[Outfield]]
* [[Baseball positions]]
* [[Baseball positions]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}


{{Baseball positions}}
{{Baseball positions}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Center Fielder}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Center Fielder}}

Latest revision as of 14:59, 26 August 2023

"Center field" redirects here. For Centerfield, see Centerfield (disambiguation).
The position of the center fielder

A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball and softball fielding position between left field and right field. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the center fielder is assigned the number 8.[1]

Position description

[edit]

Outfielders must cover large distances, so speed, instincts and quickness to react to the ball are key. They must be able to catch fly balls above their heads and on the run. They must be able to throw the ball accurately over a long distance to be effective.

As well as the requirements above, the center fielder must be the outfielder who has the best combination of speed and throwing distance. The center fielder "covers more 'grass' than any other player" (see photo) and, most likely, will catch the most fly balls. The position also has the greatest responsibility among the three outfielders for coordinating their play to prevent collisions when converging on a fly ball, and on plays where the center fielder does not make the catch, he must position himself behind the corner outfielder as backup. The center outfielder is the captain of the outfield and has the authority to call off the corner fielders when he has a better chance to catch the ball. Aside from requiring more speed and range, the center field position is slightly easier to field because balls tend to fly on a straight path, rather than curving as they do for the other outfield positions. A center fielder's vision and depth perception is a coveted skill and must be above average. Because the position requires a good arm and fast legs, center field is generally where the team puts its best all-around athletes; as a result, center fielders are often fine hitters as well. Many center fielders are renowned as excellent batters and base runners.

View from center field at Minute Maid Park.

When a base runner is trying to steal second base the center fielder must back up second base on throws from the catcher to second base in case the second baseman misses the catch or it is a bad throw.

Hall of Fame center fielders

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Nelson, Steve (December 4, 2020). "Understanding Every Baseball Position and Their Role". BaseballTrainingWorld.com.
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