In baseball, 9 refers to the right fielder or the player defending the right portion of the outfield.
Skills and Strengths of a Right Fielder
Speed is essential to all outfielders because they cover the largest distance in the field. Aside from speed, the right fielder must have an instinct and quick mind to react and follow the ball.Though a right fielder must have speed, he doesn’t have to be as fast as the center field for whom speed is a primary requirement so he can cover the center of a diamond-shaped field. Considering that a right fielder’s position is the farthest (250-300 feet) from the home plate, he must have the strongest arm on the team. He has to be able to throw the ball over a long distance with accuracy.
The 9 must also be a good catcher: he has to catch the ball above his head while he runs.
Functions of a Right Fielder
Together with the other two outfielders, a right fielder must be able to catch fly balls. An outfielder who catches the ball before it hits the grass outs the batter. If he is unable to, the right fielder must pick up the ball from the ground and throw it to an infielder to tag or force out a runner. He must also be able to prevent the ball from hitting down the right-field foul line.Right fielders provide support to infielders as well, fielding a ball if the infield is unable to. The right fielder also serves as back up to the 1st base from throws from the pitcher or the catcher. He also supports the second base by fielding the ball thrown from the field’s left side such as those from the shortstop, the third base, or from the foul line territory.
The right fielder also backs up for the first base should the first baseman is on a rundown between the third base and the home plate.
When it comes to hitting, right fielders tend to be good offensive players as right-handed hitters.