Pitcher Vs. Catcher

Difference Between Pitcher Vs. Catcher Each of the nine players in the field occupies a specific position and…

Difference Between Pitcher Vs. Catcher

Each of the nine players in the field occupies a specific position and performs a specific defensive role. Together they try to keep the team at bat from getting on base and scoring runs.

The main defensive player is the pitcher. From a dirt mound in the middle of the diamond, the pitcher throws the ball to the batter. In an effort to keep the batter from hitting it, the pitcher may use a variety of overarm or sidearm (and sometimes even underhand) pitches. These include fastballs, curveballs, sliders, and others. The pitcher also fields batted balls (catches and throws them to a teammate), keeps a watchful eye on base runners so they will not advance, and covers first base or home plate when necessary. The pitcher has the most responsibility for seeing that the team at bat does not score. If the pitcher loses control of the game and lets too many opposing players get on base and score runs, the starting pitcher may be replaced by a relief pitcher.

The next most important defensive player is the catcher, who crouches in a boxed area behind home plate. The catcher’s job is to catch all the pitcher’s throws that are not hit by the batter, to guard home plate against runners who try to score, and to field batted balls that fall near home plate. The catcher must play in close harmony with the pitcher. The catcher studies opposing batters and gives signals to the pitcher indicating what type of pitches to throw. The catcher wears a metal face mask, a padded chest protector, and plastic shin guards to prevent injury from balls tipped by the bat. The catcher’s mitt is very thickly padded because pitches are thrown very fast.

Four other members of the defensive team are called infielders. These players try to catch any ball hit by the batter within the infield. The first baseman guards first base and the area around it. The second baseman plays on the side of second base toward first, while the shortstop plays on the other side of second base. Together they defend the middle of the infield. The third baseman covers third base and the area around it.

 

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