S3-DR-U15-Extension Reading- How to Play Baseball 4
Step 4: Outfield
Outfielders are, in most people's opinions,
the most important players
on a baseball team.
You've seen them in the outfield,
behind the diamond.
Their job is to catch pop-ups,
hold the runners at their bases,
and stop anything that can go past them.
Here's one of the best outfielders ever,
Vladimier Guerrero.
Let's start with pop-ups/fly balls.
You first want to step back
in the direction the ball is going.
This helps to get a jump on the ball.
Then, judge where the ball will land.
Simply put up your glove,
and with TWO HANDS, catch the ball.
Next is throwing.
After a pop-up, ground ball,
or line drive is fielded,
start to run towards your target.
Then, jump up slightly
and bring your hand back as far as possible.
Then, with all your power,
throw the ball to your target
WHILE STILL RUNNING AT HIM!!!
This takes practice.
This is known as a Crow-Hop(don't ask).
Oh, and always call,
"I got it!" to let the other outfielders know
that it's your ball.
But the main goal is to not let anything by you. More games have been lost
by that than any other mistake.
Always go for the ball.