No wonder Lefty Gomez, the former pitching great of the New York Yankees, once admitted: “I owe my pitching success to clean living and a fast outfield.”

The Essentials A player, to be a good outfielder, should have speed and the ability to get a good jump on the ball. (Illus.1 - Bill Russell) I like a fellow who can judge the ball, an aggressive individual who wants to get to the ball as soon as possible. (Illus. 2 - Ron Fairly)

The outfielder with an average arm who can field and throw the ball quickly and accurately will make just as many assists as the fellow who has a great arm but has to take a couple more steps to get rid of the ball. (Illus. 3 - Jim Northrup) This individual always catches the ball on the wrong side and, consequently, takes longer to throw it. Actually, it is a simple thing to catch the ball on one’s throwing side and having his body in position to throw.

Getting the jump on the ball is mostly a matter of habit, and an outfielder will master it only if he practices constantly. The more a player plays the outfield, the better he will be able to judge every fly ball.

A good outfielder must continually be alert and on his toes, especially with men on base. He must always be thinking ahead, and should know what he will do if the ball is hit to him. Ball games are often won or lost on the judgment of the outfielder on a throw to the right base, or to the wrong base.

An outfielder should be a good hitter with adequate power, plus fielding and throwing ability. If he can swing the bat and has a strong enough arm, constant practice on fly balls and grounders should make him a respectable fielder.

“Check every pennant-winning team and you will find a deer-footed fly-chaser in center field” -- Bobby Bragan

Great Fly Chasers Down through the years, major league baseball has seen many truly outstanding fielders, but the matchless Joe DiMaggio was perhaps the finest of all. His speed and grace in fading back at the crack of the bat for a long drive enabled him to make outfield play look simple. He was a model of grace and skill as he roamed center field. He had everything – anticipation, speed, great hands, throwing power and accuracy.

There have been numerous fielding standouts of the Dodgers who have won the admiration and respect of fans in Los Angeles and back in Brooklyn. For judging the ball, Ron Fairly would have to be recognized, while for speed, I have to say Willie Davis. Carl Furillo, unquestionably, had the strongest throwing arm. He not only charged balls well, but he had an excellent throwing arm. Carl played the right field wall as it should be played, and got rid of the ball as quickly as anyone I have seen.

Qualifications The prime requisites for a competent outfielder are good fielding, a strong arm and powerful hitting. Generally, if he has three outfielders, the coach would put the fielder with the weakest arm in left field. The strongest arm would go to right field because the throw to third base is longer. The center fielder would very likely be the best outfielder of the trio. This is the player who covers the most ground and is more or less the captain of the outfield.

Stance The outfielder should use a comfortable stance, one that enables him to go in either direction with the quickest possible speed. Using a semi-crouch, Mickey Stanley, pictured left, positions his right foot slightly back, with his hands on or in front of the knees. His toes are pointed slightly out to move laterally as quickly as possible. As the pitch is made, the fielder, pictured here by Paul Blair, rocks forward on his toes and is ready to cross over in either direction with the quickest possible speed. (Illus. 4)

Glove The majority of big league outfielders recommend a long-fingered glove with considerable webbing and a deep pocket, while infelders must catch the ball and throw it quickly, outfielders are not required to do this. They prefer a deeper-pocketed glove in order to make any necessary one-handed catches.

“Learn to catch the ball in the webbing,” said Reiser, “and it will not jump or slide out. I more or less liked to trap a ball like a first baseman would, making the catch in the web, instead of in the pocket.” Hank Aaron also preferred a soft, long-fingered glove, and stated: “It enabled me to scoop up ground balls better. I could make the catch in either the pocket or the web.”

Playing the Hitters Outstanding outfielders that I have known were good not only because of their abilities, but because they knew where to play each batter. Three major factors determine how the outfielder will play a hitter: the batter; the pitcher; and the game situation. (Illus. 5 - Mickey Stanley)

The outfielder has to know who is on base at all times, and most try to remember the speed of the base runners. Usually the outfield shifts as a unit, so there are gaping holes between them.

The outfielder should study every batter, to learn his hitting habits. To do so, he watched his opponents in batting practice, analyzing each batter, i.e., long ball hitters, off-speed hitters, pull hitters, late or straightaway hitters. Since his pitcher and catcher also will know the batter’s habits, they will throw to him accordingly.

The type of hitter is probably the biggest factor in determining the position of the fielders, plus the score of the game.

Calling for the Ball Outfielders should help each other by calling in a loud and clear voice for all fly balls. As soon as he is absolutely sure he can catch the ball, the fielder (Willie Mays) must call for the ball “I’ve got it! I’ve got it!” and keep on calling. He should call more than once because the other fielder may be yelling at the same time. He should be answered in a loud clear voice, “Take it!” “Take it!” They must talk back and forth. Remember to repeat calls, and to answer them. (Illus. 6)

On long drives near the fences, the outfielders should tell each other how much room there is near the fences and where to make the throw. One may call out: “Lots of room, you take it” if a ball can still be caught.

Catching the Ball An outfielder should catch every fly ball with two hands, unless it becomes necessary to catch it with one hand. Using two hands will enable the outfielder to have his throwing hand on the ball just as soon as he catches it. This is particularly true on ground balls, when he has to charge the ball and make a quick throw.

If he can, the fielder should catch the ball facing it, in a stride position, as pictured here by Jim Northrup. The best place to catch a routine fly ball is above eye-level. The glove should be up in front of his face and on his throwing side. His fingers are up for any balls above the belt. (Series A - Jim Northrup)

When a fielder comes in hard for a fly ball or line drive, he will catch the ball with fingers down; when going back or handling a big drive, he will catch the ball with fingers up.

The outfielder should learn to run immediately to the spot where he thinks the ball will go. Some fielders like to thrill the fans by drifting on the ball, making their catches on the run. The outfielder should run on his toes, since running on the heels makes the ball “dance.”

Coming in for a Low Fly Ball Most major league center fielders rate line drives the toughest balls to handle. These balls tend to sink rapidly. Some veer away from the fielder. The best way to play the low liner is to wait an instant before moving. Then the fielder will have a better idea whether to go back or forward.

If it is a sinking low liner in front of him, he has two alternatives: 1) hold up and catch the ball on a long hop, or 2) continue in for a possible shoestring catch. If he charges and goes for it, he should try to lower his body as he comes in to get his eyes as much in line with the ball as possible.

The low liner which is particularly troublesome is the one on which the fielder has to go to his right and move in to make a low catch reaching across his body.

Catching a Low Fly Ball In catching the ball below the belt, the fingers of the outfielder should be pointed down. The dependable fly chaser uses two hands whenever he can. As he follows the ball into his glove, there should be a slight “give” of his hands and wrists, as demonstrated here by Jose Cardenal. (Series B - Jose Cardenal)

Generally, an outfielder will not attempt a shoestring catch unless the winning run will cross the plate on a base hit in the late innings of a game. He should be very careful in attempting this type of catch. Stanley, who has made countless game-saving catches during his outstanding career with the Detroit Tigers, said: “To make a diving catch, stay relaxed, double-up and roll as you hit the ground. Tuck your chin and one shoulder in and roll over. By doing this, you can usually come right up on your feet and be in position to make a throw.”

Going to the Left or Right The cross-over step is recommended whenever an outfielder has to move laterally. As pictured here by Bill Russell, the fielder will get quicker starts to either side by using the cross-over step. It should be kept in mind that all balls going to left and right field have a tendency to break toward the foul lines. By using a little wider stance, an outfielder can get a quicker start sideways. To his right, he merely pivots on his right foot, cross-steps and goes after the ball, and vice versa to his left.(Series C - Bill Russell)

Going to the Right An outfielder will break for the ball by pivoting on the foot nearest the ball and crosses over with the other foot. He brings his left leg over his right and shoves off with his right foot.

Going to the Left Getting a good push-off in the direction he is going is essential in getting the proper jump on the ball. In moving laterally, the outfielder uses his natural running motion.

Going back for a Fly Ball A good outfielder must be able to go back for a fly ball. Then he can afford to play shallower. As he demonstrates here, Bill Russell pivots on both feet in the direction he is going and takes his first step with the foot nearest the ball. In going deep for a fly ball, an outfielder will find his job easier if he runs to the spot where he thinks the ball will come down and wait for it. In moving back, he should make one or two quick glances over his shoulder to check on the ball’s flight. (Series D - Bill Russell)

Playing the Fly near the Fence As soon as the ball is hit, I like to see an outfielder turn and run as fast as he can to the fence. He should really hustle to that fence! Then he is ready, even if he has to come back five feet and catch it. What often happens is that the fielder catches the ball one or two feet in front of the fence and then backs into the fence, and the collision knocks the ball out of his hands.

Most parks today have a “warning track” made of cinders or skinned dirt, so that when the outfielder runs from grass to cinders, he will know he is nearing the fence. The outfielder should know how the ball will rebound from fences or walls. Pictured here, Jim Northrup, veteran outfielder of the Detroit Tigers, goes directly to the fence and places his hand on it for possible leverage. (Series E - Jim Northrup)

If a fly ball cannot be caught and hits the wall, he runs three or four steps toward the playing field and then turns around and faces the fence, ready for the rebound.

Playing the Sun Field The majority of ball fields are laid out with the sun facing the right and center fielders, but occasionally the left fielder has to cope with the sun. Catching balls hit into the sun can be very troublesome, especially for the individual who neglects to work on this important phase of outfield play. Flip-down sunglasses which reduce glare from the sun can be very beneficial to an outfielder. However, it takes practice to get used to them.

Shading the Sun with the Glove The fielder sights the ball, either above or below the glove. His flip-down sun glasses are kept in the up-position until he must look into the sun. At this time, as demonstrated by Rick Monday, he merely taps the peak of his cap which forces the glasses down. (Illus. 7)

During spring training, we have our outfielders go out in the sun field and practice using their sun glasses and flipping them down. After practicing with them, it becomes a habit; then, when a fly ball comes out to them, they automatically knock their glasses down.

Getting the Jump on a Fly Ball The outfielder who gets the fastest start catches the most balls. In order to do this, he must be alert and ready to move in any direction as the ball leaves the bat. Getting a jump on the ball is mostly a matter of habit, and he will master it only if he practices constantly. The good jump has to come through experience. The great outfielders have that sense of where the ball is going.

Concentration on the hitter is perhaps the key to getting a good jump on the ball. By watching the ball, he sees how it comes off the bat. Paul Blair, the Orioles’ fleet-footed outfielder pictured here, uses a cross-over step to get a quicker start laterally. In order to be ready to go, the fielder must get up on his toes so that the instant the ball is hit, he will make his move. (Illus. 8)

“When the ball is pitched,” said Bill Virdon, a former great center fielder, “the outfielder should be in a semi-crouch, with his knees bent and the weight on the balls of his feet. He must be ready on every pitch.”

“As soon as the pitcher starts his wind-up,” continued Virdon, “he should take his eyes off him and place it on the hitter. In order to get the direction the hitter is hitting the ball, he has to watch him all the way to see the general direction in which he is swinging the bat and the direction in which he might hit the ball.”

Backing up Outfielders have a key responsibility in backing up thrown balls to the bases and balls hit to the infielders and other outfielders. If possible, they run to a point behind and in line with the fielder and the player who is hitting or throwing the ball. (Illus. 9)

The left fielder backs up second on all plays from the right side. He backs up third on all bunts, pick-offs and run-downs. He should back up third when a bunted ball is played to first base for a possible return throw to third.

The center fielder backs up second on all bunts and plays at that bag.

The right fielder backs up first on all bunts, pick-off plays and throws made there. He backs up second on all throws from the left side. On run-downs between first and second, he should move in quickly and back-up first base.

Fielding Ground Balls The outfielder fields ground balls in much the same manner as an infielder. Unfortunately, however, very few outfielders spend enough practice time picking up grounders. As a rule, I doubt if they devote enough practice to charging grounders, in which they have to field the ball and throw it quickly and accurately. This is something that has to become a habit. There is no question but that the majority of errors by outfielders occur on ground balls.

An outfielder must never lag behind on ground balls. As Bill Russell demonstrates here, he must charge the ball, pick it up and make an overhand throw. Fielding the ball with two hands enables the fielder to move into throwing position faster than if he went down with just his glove hand. (Series F)

The fielder should approach and field ground balls to his left or right in a semi circle, fielding them in front, at the maximum height of the bounce. By bending his knees, he will be able to stay low and follow the ball all the way into his glove. His weight is transferred to the right foot with a hop. Outfielders, as well as infielders, should remember to play the ball, and not let the ball play them.

“Never lag behind on ground balls,” advised Stanley. “Even before the play begins, you should know where the throw is to be made. Charge in, then get set and make your throw.”

Fielding a Grounder with One Hand When they have to pick up a grounder quickly in an attempt to throw out a runner, outfielders like Ron Fairly felt they can make the play more quickly by using a glove hand pick-up. Young players, however, will find that fielding the ball with both hands is not only safer but probably just as fast. (Series G)

Blocking a Hard Ground Ball The outfielder tries to play all ground balls in front of his body. Jim Northrup, pictured here, drops to one knee to block the ball. Using two hands, his eyes follow the ball into his glove. When no quick throw is necessary, an outfielder may field the ball with his heels together, or he may drop to one knee to block the ball. If the fielder is trying to throw out an advancing runner, he has to charge. The ball can either play it with both hands or scoop it up with his glove hand and then throw. (Illus. 10)

Throwing the Ball One of baseball’s most thrilling plays occurs when an outfielder makes a perfect throw into a base or home plate and nips the runner who is sliding in. Base runners soon learn to respect the fielders who have the real “shot guns” in the outfield – fellows like Roberto Clemente, Reggie Jackson and Al Kaline. The main factors in throwing from the outfield are accuracy, a strong arm and ability to get rid of the ball as soon as possible.

The overhand delivery, in which the ball is held across the seams, is recommended for all outfielders because of the carry and accuracy it provides. In addition to good backspin, the ball does not veer sideways when thrown overhand.

The low throw has a better chance of being accurate, and will not lose as much momentum as the one with a high arc on it.

Basic Throwing Technique After catching the ball, the fielder shifts his weight to the pivot or push-off foot. As demonstrated here by Bill Russell, the throwing arm is away from the body so that he can bring the ball back and through in one continuous overhand motion. Pushing off the back foot, the fielder’s entire body follows through to get the necessary power behind the throw. He throws on a line to hit the relay man coming out for the throw. (Series H)

Throwing Technique An outfielder should try to get into throwing position while fielding the ball. Just before the ball comes down, he moves into it with his body in proper position to throw. Therefore, the ball should be caught as his left foot comes down on the ground.

On a routine fly ball, I like him to stay back of the ball two or three steps, so that he is coming into the ball to catch it. As he catches the ball, if he is right-handed, the striding foot points in the direction of the throw and the body moves forward against the braced front leg.

The throwing arm is away from the body so that he can bring the ball back and throw it in one continuous motion. The elbow comes back first, and the forearm lay back from the elbow. Then, as the elbow leads the way, the arm, wrist and right hand are brought forward. His throwing arm is whipped through in a free and easy follow-through, coming straight forward and then down across his body. In fact, his entire body follows through to get the necessary power behind the throw. (Series I - Jim Northrup)

Throwing to the Bases A common error of outfielders is to throw to the wrong base. This will seldom happen if he will keep his mind on the ball game, and know where he is going to throw the ball when he gets it. He must make his throws to the base ahead of the runner, never behind him.

“Throw overhand and low on the line to the relay or cutoff man, chest-high,” said Jim Northrup, “Throws to a base that take a hop will usually be low enough for good tagging position.”

Training An outfielder, like any other player, must take good care of his throwing arm. During spring training, his arm should be worked into shape with as much care as that taken by a pitcher. Then, during the season, his arm must be given enough work to keep it fit. It is a standard practice in major league baseball for the outfielders to throw between innings and during delays in the game.

Virdon gave this advice on keeping the arm sound and healthy: “Keep your arm warm by throwing before each inning starts. If the dugout is on the first base side, the bullpen catcher throws with the right fielder, and the left and center fielders warm up together.”

Frankly, I do not like my outfielders to throw batting practice. It is too short a throw, and I think it will do your outfield throw-in more harm than good.

Practice Tips

1. Work out in the infield to learn how to handle ground balls.
2. Practice going after fly balls that are hit over your head.
3. Drill continuously in judging fly balls, especially line drives.
4. When engaged in a long fly-shagging drill, have a half way man handle your throws. Use him as your cutoff target.
5. Practice catching fly balls in the sun. Get used to your glasses.
6. Do not spend all of your time fielding fungos. During batting practice, practice fielding balls hit off the bat of the hitter.
7. Do not spend all your time on fly balls. Get plenty of practice at picking up ground balls and hops of all kinds.