Outfielder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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outfielder

[ˈaʊtˌfiːldər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

baseball player

An outfielder is a player in baseball who defends the outfield, which is the area of the field beyond the infield. Outfielders are responsible for catching fly balls, preventing hits from turning into extra bases, and throwing the ball back to the infield. They need to have good speed, agility, and a strong arm.

Synonyms

center fielder, fielder, left fielder, right fielder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outfielder	A general term for any player positioned in the outfield, typically in baseball or softball. It is useful when specifying the position is not needed. The outfielder made an impressive catch. Several outfielders are competing for the starting spots next season.
fielder	A broad term used to describe any defensive player on a baseball or softball team, not limited to the outfield. It could be an infielder or outfielder. The fielder threw the ball to first base. He’s a versatile fielder, capable of playing multiple positions.
center fielder	Refers specifically to the player positioned in the center of the outfield. This position often requires speed and the ability to cover a lot of ground. The center fielder ran quickly to catch the fly ball. As the team’s best defender, he was assigned the center fielder position.
right fielder	This word is used to describe the player who covers the right side of the outfield. Strong throwing ability is often important due to the longer throw to third base. The right fielder made a spectacular throw to home plate. He was moved from left fielder to right fielder to take advantage of his strong arm.
left fielder	This term is used for the player who defends the left side of the outfield. The left fielder caught the ball near the foul line. Playing left fielder requires a strong and accurate arm.

Examples of usage

The outfielder made an amazing diving catch.
He is known for his powerful throws from the outfield.
Outfielders often need to cover a lot of ground in the outfield.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports Strategy

Outfielders must have excellent hand-eye coordination to catch high-flying balls and quick reflexes to react to line drives.
They often rely on teamwork with pitchers and infielders to position themselves correctly based on the batter's hitting tendencies.
Communication is vital; outfielders use signals and calls to avoid collisions when chasing a fly ball.

Pop Culture

Popular movies like 'Field of Dreams' highlight the role of baseball, providing iconic scenes featuring outfielders making spectacular catches.
Famous songs often reference the outfield to symbolize freedom or distance, reflecting on great plays that have historical importance.
The classic comic strip 'Peanuts' featured a character, Charlie Brown, often playing as an outfielder, adding humor and charm to his missed catches.

Performance Metrics

Outfielders are analyzed using statistics like 'fielding percentage' and 'range factor' to determine their effectiveness.
Modern analytics in baseball increasingly focus on 'defensive runs saved,' measuring how many runs a player saves through their fielding abilities.
The introduction of technology, like Statcast, allows for detailed tracking of outfielders' sprint speed and the path they take to catch the ball.

History of Baseball

Originally, baseball had fewer specialized positions; as the game advanced in the late 19th century, the need for outfielders became clear.
Early outfielders played without gloves, making their role significantly more difficult in the game's formative years.
The invention of the modern glove in the 1880s revolutionized the way outfielders played, allowing for more remarkable catches and safer fielding.

Origin of 'outfielder'

Main points about word origin

The term is derived from the combination of 'out,' meaning further from the action, and 'fielder,' which comes from 'field' with a focus on the player’s role.
Baseball language has evolved since the 19th century, with 'outfielder' becoming common as the game grew and specific positions were needed.
The word supports the broader context of sports terminology, combining descriptive nouns to create precise roles.

The term 'outfielder' originated in the sport of baseball in the mid-19th century. As the game evolved, the need for specialized positions in the outfield became apparent, leading to the use of the term to describe players who defend the outfield. Over the years, outfielders have become essential members of a baseball team, playing a crucial role in the defense and contributing to the team's overall success.

See also: field, fielder, fields, fieldworker.