What Is The Hardest Position In Baseball?

What is the hardest position in baseball? You've probably had this debate before, whether you're a former player, current player, or just love the game. Technically, there are nine baseball positions, which include: pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field, and right field. For fun, the designated hitter will be considered a position too. In this article, the Bat Experts at JustBats aim to make a case for each position and then allow you - the readers - to determine the hardest position. Let's have some fun.

Hardest Position In Baseball

First Base

You better be flexible if you’re hoping to be a successful first baseman. Stretching, or even doing the splits, for throws are commonplace at first base, so height comes in handy. Concentration is key, as it guarantees that most plays during a game will occur at first base. But, admittedly, first basemen don't have much throwing responsibility. But, you better be able to catch.

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Second Base

Shortstop

Shortstops are the quarterbacks of the infield. They see the most action on the diamond (outside of catcher) and they are asked to do everything a second baseman does in a quicker time frame. It's why you often see the best athletes on the team playing shortstop, or at least given a longer-than-normal trial period to learn the position. We aren't necessarily saying shortstop is the toughest position in baseball, but we certainly aren't saying it's not.

Third Base

Third base, also known as the ‘Hot Corner,’ is a tough position to play defensively. The margin of error is small when a third baseman has to make the longest infield throw over to first. And, if that wasn’t enough pressure, third basemen are also responsible for bunts down the third baseline, surprise steal attempts and occassionally double cuts to home. If you don’t have a quick reaction time, great reflexes, or a monster arm, then it's not likely that you'll see much time at third.

Pitcher

Pitcher is the harder positions to rank because there are different categories within this position. You could be a starter, a reliever, or even a closer. Beyond that, you've gotta find ways to keep hitters off-balance. This generally requires the ability to throw multiple types of pitches, at varying speeds, to all parts of the strike zone. The stress and demand of pitchers place it squarely in the conversation for toughest position in baseball.

Outfield

You better learn to cover ground as an outfielder and fast. Centerfielders typically have to cover the most ground of any position, but all three positions have a large area to patrol. If you are in the outfield, arm strength is a top trait but throwing the ball accurately to bases and cut-offs is a highly underated skill. There is also no room for error in the outfield. If you drop a flyball it has a much more profound impact on the game/morale of the team than when somebody boots a grounder. Centerfield, considering the ground needed to cover, has a case to be made for top-3 hardest position in baseball.

Catcher

One of the most popular answers for hardest position is catcher. Catchers play a role in every play; every pitch for that matter. From calling pitches to blocking to managing the running game, catchers are tasked with a lot of responsibilities each game. 

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Designated Hitter

Let’s be honest. It’s every hitter’s dream to become a DH. A majority of their time is spent on the bench rooting on teammates. But, before dismissing the position entirely, there is pressure involved. While the designated hitter holds no defensive responsibility, having to focus and be successful in one capacity is tough. Just ask a surgeon.

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Now, it's your turn. Which position would you say is the hardest and why? Join the conversation, let us know what you think is the hardest position in baseball or softball, and follow @JustBats on social media.

Meanwhile, if you ever have any baseball bat or softball bat-related questions, our Bat Experts are standing by. You can call or text us at 866-321-2287, email experts@justbats.com, or you can click here to live chat. Don't forget, we're here for you from Click To Hit!