Each of the nine positions in baseball corresponds to a particular number. The number 8 position is that of the center-fielder.
A center fielder is an outfielder who plays a defensive position from the center field. The center field is the area that lies between the right field and the left field.
Athletes with Sharp Vision
As a general rule, outfielders should be fast, agile, and capable of throwing balls with power and over great distances. They must be capable of catching fly balls that are moving over their heads, and they should also be able to pluck balls out of the air or off the ground while on the run. Throwing balls with accuracy and with power so that it can cross the field is an important function of outfielders.Effectively Fast and Agile
The 7 or center fielder is considered to be the outfielder who effectively combines speed and throwing power. It is said that the center fielder covers more area compared to all the other players. They are also the ones who catch the biggest number of fly balls.Among the three outfielders, the center fielder carries the heaviest responsibility: he has to coordinate their actions and plays so that they won’t collide into one another when catching a fly ball. In situations wherein the center fielder fails to catch the ball, he should think and act fast; he should move to position himself as a backup to the corner outfielder.
Captain of the Outfield
The center fielder or the 7 is also considered as the captain of the outfield. This gives him the authority and right to stop the corner fielders from making a move if and when he sees that he is in a better position to make the catch.Manning the center field position requires speed and range, but the position is relatively easy to field compared to others. This is because thrown balls fly on a straight trajectory, following a straight path and not curving.