Which outfielder is most important ?

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Recently went to a softball camp and heard that the right fielder is where the best fielder plays ,anyone have a opinion.

 

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Then my oldest picked the right position. She says she owns right field.

As for the best outfielder, who knows. Should be an interesting subject. I would think that center would. You fast the fastest athlete. I could see right because if the 1st basemen missed a ball thrown at her, a great RF has the play backed up in case for advancement. LF is just as strong just in case of that pick off at 3rd. So, an arguement for all.

 

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CF, and stud in CF can own the outfield. The other 2 corners might be dictated by the type of pitching I have vs the type of players I have as candidates to play the OF.

 

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I wouldn't put my fastest outfielder in right field, but the one with the best arm.

The Right-fielder does have a quick play option at 1st base on occasion and also has more chance of being challenged with extra bases. The old saying "hit behind the runner" applies. She will have equal challenge as LF on a sprint to 2nd base, more of a challenge on a runner to 3rd, and will also be challenged more on a tag up at 3rd than the left fielder would.

IMO, more speed in CF and better arm in RF.

 

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the one it's hit to

 

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I believe alot has to do with who you have pitching.

 

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While all of the outfield positions have important roles, I think that CF is most important because they are the leader out there and will have to cover the most ground.

 

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I love to watch a good right fielder race to a ball and get the out at first. Saw that more than once this year and it was just down right fun.

I also saw some great CF catches that I thought couldn't be made. Same for LF.

I just love watching good outfielders play - but the RF plays can be the most exciting. Or, CF to home.... :cap: Heck. I love softball too much to pick.

ps - didn't actually answer the question - - which is the most important... only which is fun to watch! I would say CF is the most important. Look at Grady Sizemore (when healthy) and Kenny Lofton for example.

 

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Go to any college camp and see who they are recruiting. Go to the articles on recruiting and ask why so many SS are moved to CF in college. That is you answer. Uber is correct.

http://thesportjournal.org/article/...eria-leading-ncaa-division-i-softball-coaches

Look at the Pie chart .

 

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I would also agree with CF since you want your quickest and best fielders playing the middle field including CF. This past season @ the 16u Northern Nationals we played a team from Chicago who`s center fielder covered the entire outfield. When the ball was hit to left or right field with her speed and quick reaction time she was the one to catch the ball and not the fielders in those positions. CF also has to be a good communicator since she has control of the outfield.

 

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Each fielder has a duty to perform at their given position. All are important. Accept your roll as a starting 9 player and go hit the ball when it's your time to bat.

Don't minimize a position!!!

 

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I agree with MD and Daboss, they are ALL important. So the most important one at any given time is the one the ball is hit to.

 

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I would believe alot goes with the pitching and pitch calling as well. Hard thrower where right handed hitters will be late, I'm putting her in right. Slower pitcher and they are pulling everything to left, that's where I'm putting her.

 

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An elite CF like the laser Silver had last year will cover all fields of play. If the ball is hit to RF or LF, they are still standing behind the fielder as they catch the ball. They are just special players that can win a game for you with a special play. College coaches are looking for that kid with the speed to make the difference. These type of kids playing outfield are rare, but when you see one you take notice. I know the college coaches notice!

 

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The thread topic says which outfielder is most important and the thread says where do you put your best outfielder...it's unlikely all 3 of your outfielders are of the exact same skill level and abilities...So where do you put your best outfielder.

 

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Uber most high school teams are lucky to have even one!

 

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Depends on pitching.

 

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Uber most high school teams are lucky to have even one!

Well your right of course, my high school team my best outfielder is in CF, I can always shift her over one way or the other and at the end of the season they will have had more chances then any other outfield position. In fact I find it hard to believe that unless there are extreme circumstances most teams best outfielder isn't in CF. I have seen kids that struggle in one outfield position and thrive in another. I've seen a kid with prototypical CF skill set, Speed, arm and ball skills...not play a good CF but own RF and look like the best outfielder on the team. I think every coach has to go with their gut, but in most cases the CFer is the best Outfielder on the team.

 

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Each fielder has a duty to perform at their given position. All are important. Accept your roll as a starting 9 player and go hit the ball when it's your time to bat.

Don't minimize a position!!!

Daboss, wasnt trying to minimize at all i think every position has a job to do ,I had just never heard of the right fielder as the most important outfielder. But as you know when most people ask about a good team what position is usually asked about first ,pitcher than ss than centerfielder thats just the way its been forever.

 

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Have always played my overall best outfielder in center ... how you define best I guess is the question ... it's certainly a combination of speed, ability to catch the ball, throwing, and leadership/communications out there. Of course you do like to have a strong arm in RF to make the occasional putout at 1B and the long throws to 3B, but agree with some others that I might vary my RF and LF depending on how much speed my pitcher has.