Baseball Positions: All 9 Explained
The nine defensive positions, their numbers (1 through 9), where each player stands, and what they do. Here is the whole field at a glance.
The nine baseball positions and their numbers. Infield dirt in the middle, three outfielders across the back, and the battery (pitcher and catcher) up the center.
The 9 Baseball Positions by Number
Every position has a number from 1 to 9. Coaches and scorekeepers use the number instead of the name, so a ground ball from shortstop to first base is written 6 to 3, and the classic double play is 6 to 4 to 3.
| # | Position | Abbr | Group | What they do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pitcher | P | Battery | Starts every play from the mound and fields balls hit up the middle. |
| 2 | Catcher | C | Battery | Receives every pitch, blocks the plate, and directs the defense. |
| 3 | First Baseman | 1B | Infield | Takes throws at first base and covers the right side of the infield. |
| 4 | Second Baseman | 2B | Infield | Turns double plays and covers the right side up the middle. |
| 5 | Third Baseman | 3B | Infield | Guards the line at the hot corner and makes the long throw across. |
| 6 | Shortstop | SS | Infield | The infield captain, with the most range and the most ground to cover. |
| 7 | Left Fielder | LF | Outfield | Covers left field and backs up third base and the middle. |
| 8 | Center Fielder | CF | Outfield | The outfield captain, with first call on any ball they can reach. |
| 9 | Right Fielder | RF | Outfield | Covers right field and needs the strongest arm for the throw to third. |
Positions on the Field
The nine positions split into three groups:
- The battery: the pitcher (1) and catcher (2), who start and receive every pitch.
- The infield: first base (3), second base (4), third base (5), and shortstop (6), who handle ground balls and force plays.
- The outfield: left field (7), center field (8), and right field (9), who track down fly balls and back up throws.
Want to know where everyone goes once the ball is hit? See our primer on Ball, Base, or Backup and the full situational defense guides.
Each Position, in One Line
Baseball Positions FAQ
What are the 9 positions in baseball?
The nine defensive positions are pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder. One pitcher and one catcher make up the battery, four players cover the infield, and three cover the outfield.
What are the baseball position numbers?
Each position has a number used for scorekeeping: 1 pitcher, 2 catcher, 3 first baseman, 4 second baseman, 5 third baseman, 6 shortstop, 7 left fielder, 8 center fielder, and 9 right fielder. The numbers, not the player names, are used to record plays.
What position is number 6 in baseball?
Number 6 is the shortstop. The numbering can feel out of order because it follows the order positions were historically recorded: third baseman is 5 and shortstop is 6, even though the shortstop plays between second and third base.
What is the hardest position in baseball?
Most coaches consider catcher and shortstop the hardest. Catcher is the most physically demanding and mentally involved, while shortstop requires the most range, the quickest reactions, and a strong, accurate arm.
Which positions are in the infield and outfield?
The infield is first base, second base, third base, and shortstop. The outfield is left field, center field, and right field. The pitcher and catcher are known as the battery.
Coach the positions, not just name them
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