How to play Left Field
Left field is one of the most difficult positions to play in baseball. It takes a knack for playing left field well. You have to be fast, have good reach, be able to make really hard plays, and have a strong arm. Most of the soaring balls that are hit in the outfield are hit by left fielders and are expected to catch almost all the balls hit. Read on to learn how to properly patrol the left side of the field.
The first tip to play well in left field is to know your surroundings. This means that you need to know where the sun is, which way the wind is blowing, and how the ball is bouncing off the grass in your outfield. By doing this, you will be prepared to make a play with each ball that hits you. You will not be fooled by any fly ball.
The second tip for playing left field is to get a good read early on. “Barefoot” Joe Jackson was said to be so good at reading from the bat that he was able to start running even before the ball was hit. Although probably a myth, he was a great left fielder who had great reach. Getting a good read off the bat is essential to being a good left fielder. It will ensure that you have the best possible chance of catching flying balls. Taking 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 batter. You have to know if he is a pull hitter or an opposite field hitter. Knowing this will determine where to stand on the left field. For example, if you are playing left field and a right-handed hitter with a tendency to throw the ball is hitting, you should play it close to the line. He’s unlikely to hit one in the left-center gap if he’s a pull hitter.
While some people see left field as a place to play with children who are not skilled gardeners, this certainly shouldn’t be the case. It takes a special type of player to play in this position. Ted Williams, Barry Bond, Stan Musial, Rickey Henderson, and Joe Jackson are considered some of the best players to ever play baseball. Guess what? They were all versatile left fielders.