Where Do I Stand? Trivia Quiz

The defensive baseball positions can be divided into three main categories: the battery, the infielders and the outfielders. They all traditionally stand in the positions shown but only the pitcher's and catcher's positions are stated in the rules.

The bases form the shape of a diamond and the pitcher stands on the mound in the centre of it and pitches the ball over the home plate to the catcher.

They are the most important player on the defence, as all play starts with how well they can get the batter to miss the ball. Pitchers try to throw strikes or place the ball where the batter can't hit it.

There are many types of pitches they can throw and they often specialise in certain types. Some are very good at fast balls which are hard to hit, while others throw those that may curve or drop so the batters swings at the wrong time or space.

Pitchers also field around their mound if the ball is hit there, and catch throws from other players.

The pitcher and the catcher together make up the battery. They are also involved in every play that is made. Standing behind the home plate, their job is to catch the ball if the batter misses it or doesn't swing at all.

The catcher usually squats and places his glove as a target for the pitcher to throw to. They also make signals to the pitcher on what type of pitch to make depending on the batter.

Their job is also to defend the home plate, and they need to have a strong throw as they have to catch a pitch and be able to stand quickly and throw the ball to second or third to stop runners stealing bases.

The first baseman covers first base and a few feet in front and behind. The number one skill they need is to be able to catch the ball as there are many throws made to them from different positions in the game.

It does help to be tall, as they need to stretch out and make catches while keeping a foot on the base, but they don't necessarily need to be fast to achieve this. They also need to know when to come off the base to stop a ball. They won't get the player out, but may stop them from getting extra bases.

The second baseman plays between first and second base, usually more towards second. They work with the shortstop to cover second base depending on where the ball is hit.

They need to be very good fielders but don't need a strong throw as they are close to first base. They also need to be prepared to back up any plays happening at first base.

Generally speaking, they cover second base on balls hit between the base and the left foul line, as the shortstop will be busy. Good communication with the shortstop is essential to make sure one of them (and only one) is covering the base.

The third baseman covers third base and a few feet in front or behind. Third baseman need to be good fielders and have quick reflexes as a lot of grounders are hit their way and they don't have much reaction time.

They don't need the speed of the second baseman, but must have a strong throw as they need it to reach first base which is a long distance.

They must also be great catchers as the likelihood is that if they miss the ball the runner is probably going to get to home base.

Shortstops play between second and third bases, usually closer to second as they need to be able to cover second base when required. If the ball is hit between first and second (meaning the second baseman will be busy) they always cover second base. This is usually the case with a left handed batter.

Like the second baseman they need to be excellent fielders as many groundballs are hit their way. They also need to be fast and have a throw strong enough to reach first base.

The shortstop is often the best defensive player on the team. In the big leagues they are hired based primarily on this fact. If they can bat as well, that is considered a bonus.

The last three positions are the outfielders - right, centre and left fielders. They are responsible for catching flyballs and for getting balls that make it through the infielders.

All fielders need to be good runners and have the ability to get the ball and throw it very quickly from the position they are in, as players will be running bases while they are getting the ball.

They are also used to back up the infield bases, especially in junior games where throws and catches often go astray.

The left fielder in particular needs to be a very strong defensive player as lots of hits head their way.

All outfielders need to have good speed and stamina for the distances they have to run but the center fielder has the biggest range so needs to be the fastest of them. They also all need strong arms as they are throwing a much greater distance.

A major skill is the ability to catch flyballs while on the run. A good fielder starts running in the direction the ball is headed as soon as it is hit. The idea is to arrive before the ball, not with it, so they can make final adjustments.

They also never take their eye off the ball, positioning themselves just behind it so they can catch the ball while stepping forward. This keeps them stable and gives good momentum to keep the ball in motion for a fast throw.

The right fielder needs to be able to do all of the above but also needs to be the best thrower of the three. They don't want to waste time running closer in, so they need to be able to throw to third or home base immediately they get it.

All outfielders should already have a plan in mind as to where they need to throw the ball before the pitch is even thrown. This will depend on how many or where the runners on base are. Many times this is the shortstop, to stop players reaching third base. In the case of loaded bases it is usually the pitcher, who themselves will have thought ahead as to where they need to throw it.

Technically, umpires aren't players, and therefore not part of the defence, but they take their position on the field in order to carry out their jobs.

In order to make the games as fair as possible there are umpires that make sure that the rules are followed and to decide who is in or out. Depending on what level this is played at there can be anywhere from one to four umpires.

The plate umpire stands behind the home plate. His job is to call whether pitches are strikes or balls, fair and foul balls and anything that happens at the home plate.

In major league games every other base has its own umpire too to make decisions about events that happen there.

If there is only one umpire then he does the job of all four of them, usually from behind the home plate but they can choose to be behind the pitcher.