Dom DiMaggio, one of the top outfielders in baseball, says, “A lot of people think that outfield play depends on instinct. I think hard work and slick-to-itiveness is a better explanation. I’ve spent hours and hours in the field during spring-training games studying the stance of different batters.”
An outfielder must know a hitter’s stride, his follow-through, and the direction he hits a ball. You often hear the fans say that Joe DiMaggio ‘gets a jump on the ball.” No matter where or how hard the drive is, Joe is usually under the ball for the out. “It knowing the hitters,” says the Yankee Clipper. “I watch every movement of the hitter, and I can usually tell the direction has going to hit a certain pitch from his swing. Then I’m off to that spot at the crock of the bat. Although I may not handle the ball for several Innings at a time, I am on my toes for every play.’
The fielder should develop a definite style of catching a fly ball and stick to that style. DiMaggio catches the ball up high in front of him with his arms extended, the palms, and fingers turned up (Fig.67). He gives a little with the catch and watches the ball right into the glove.
On long fly balls hit over the head of the outfielder he turns around and runs naturally for the ball. As he is running for the area to which the ball is going, he turns his head around to spot the ball. Then he turns his body around and makes the catch, like Figure 66.
DiMaggio makes these suggestions to improve your fielding: Don’t spend all your time shagging flies. Move into the infield and brush up on those grounders. I used to work out a lot at shortstop. Stopping grounders is a mighty important thing out in the field. A miscue is costly. Be confident but don’t show off. Never catch a ball with one hand when you can make the catch with two. Always think in advance of the play. Know how to throw the ball and never hold the ball after a catch. Get rid of it quickly, but to the right base. The safest rule to follow is to throw ahead of the runner. Don’t try to get the ball in on the fly every time. Throw it on one hop. It is easier to handle and more accurate. When playing a sun field, wear sun glasses but never look directly into the sun. Shield your eyes with your glove and follow the path of the ball. Remember when you are chasing a fly ball that other fielders may be chasing the some ball. The only way to avoid a bad injury is to yell, “That’s mine, or I’ve got it!” On line drives the best policy is to play the ball safe. Don’t leave your feet and dive for the ball. If the ball goes through you, it could be good for two or three bases.”
All three positions-left, center, and right-are equally tough to play. You will usually find a good right-handed thrower in left field, a speedy, reliable man with a good arm in center, and a player with a strong arm in right for the long throw to third base.
