What does the center fielder do on a ball in the gap?

The job, step by step

The job is the same idea on each play. The first one is shown in full; after it, only the steps that change.

Nobody on, double to the left-center gap · Runner on first, double to the left-center gap · Runners on first and second, double to the left-center gap

1. FieldContact until the ball is caught

   Run with the outfielder to the ball and call it. First man there plays it. Charge it under control and field it cleanly off the glove-side foot so you can throw in rhythm.

2. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Hit the shortstop in the chest with a firm, accurate throw. Do not short-hop him. The outfielder is calling the base behind you — listen.

3. AssessThe ball back in the infield

   Jog in behind your throw and watch the runners. If the ball gets back out, you are the first man on it.

Nobody on, double to the right-center gap · Runner on first, double to the right-center gap · Runners on first and second, double to the right-center gap: what changes

1. RelayThe ball on its way in

   Hit the second baseman in the chest with a firm, accurate throw. Do not short-hop him. The outfielder is calling the base behind you — listen.

Who you work with

• LFLeft fielder runs to a left-center ball with you (the right fielder, to right-center)
• SSShortstop is the relay man on the left side
• 2BSecond baseman is the relay man on the right side

Common mistakes

• Short-hopping the relay man.

  Hit him in the chest. A relay man digging a short hop out of the dirt can’t turn and throw in rhythm.

• Both outfielders playing the ball.

  The first man there plays it; the other one calls the base. Two men on the ball means nobody tells the thrower where to go.

The plays

Each one opens the full play: every position's job, the coaching points and the animation.

• Fields it, hits the relay manNobody on, double to the left-center gap
• Fields it, hits the relay manRunner on first, double to the left-center gap
• Fields it, hits the relay manRunners on first and second, double to the left-center gap
• Fields it, hits the relay manNobody on, double to the right-center gap
• Fields it, hits the relay manRunner on first, double to the right-center gap
• Fields it, hits the relay manRunners on first and second, double to the right-center gap

Test yourself

Questions from the app's Learn sessions. Pick your answer, then check it.

1. Gap double: both outfielders run to the ball. Who plays it, and what does the other one do?

   1. A.The one with the stronger arm plays it; the other becomes the relay man
   2. B.First one there plays it; the other gets out of his sight and yells the base
   3. C.The center fielder always plays it; the other covers second
   4. D.Both go for it; the other one backs up the throw to the infield
   Show the answerHide the answer

   B. First one there plays it; the other gets out of his sight and yells the base. The first one there plays it. The other stays out of his line of sight and yells the base — ’Three! Three! Three!’

More center fielder jobs

• Fields it and throws through the cutoffWhere does the center fielder throw on a single to center?
• Backs up the corner outfielderWhere does the center fielder go on a single to left or right?
• Backs up and calls the baseWhat does the center fielder do on a double down the line?
• Backs up second, then the backdoorWhere does the center fielder go on a bunt?
• Backs up the force at secondWhat does the center fielder do on a bunt with a runner on first?
• Covers secondWhat does the center fielder do on the wheel play?

The center fielder on every play · All positions