実況が聞き取れる！MLB英語表現バイブル – 野球用語で観戦レベルUP

Coach: Alright team, let’s get ready! First baseman, remember to scoop a throw if the ball is low.
First Baseman: Got it, Coach! I’ll also be ready to stretch for a throw if the shortstop fires one wide.
Second Baseman: I’ll make sure to cover second base on any steal attempt, and I’m ready to turn a double play if we get the chance.
Shortstop: I’ll be quick to make a quick throw to first after I field a grounder.
Third Baseman: If there’s a bunt, I’ll field a bunt and make a long throw to first. And I’ll always be ready to protect the line.
Left Fielder: I’ll watch for fly balls and track a fly ball near the wall. If it drops, I’ll make a long throw to the infield.
Center Fielder: I’ll cover a lot of ground and back up second base if needed.
Right Fielder: I’m ready to throw out a runner at the plate and back up first base on any play.
Pitcher: I’ll take the hill and deliver the ball with focus. I’ll use my best wind-up and keep my composure.
Catcher: I’ll call the game and block pitches in the dirt. If someone tries to steal, I’ll throw out base runners.
Batter (opposing team): I’m a contact hitter, but I can take a big swing if I see a good pitch. Maybe I’ll lay down a bunt if the infield is back.
Coach: Great! Let’s play smart, communicate, and support each other. Remember, if we need to, I’ll call a timeout to discuss strategy.

Announcer 1: Welcome to today’s game! The pitcher is ready to take the hill and deliver the ball to start the first inning.
Announcer 2: Here’s the wind-up, and there’s the pitch—a grounder to second! The second baseman moves quickly to field a grounder and transition the ball quickly to first.

Announcer 1: The first baseman has to scoop a throw in the dirt. Nice play! He really had to stretch for a throw to keep his foot on the bag.
Announcer 2: That’s out number one. Now the next batter steps in. He’s known as a contact hitterbut can take a big swing if he sees a good pitch.

Announcer 1: The pitcher goes into the wind-up again, delivers—a bunt! The third baseman charges in to field a bunt and makes a long throw to first.
Announcer 2: The first baseman again with a great pick on a low throw. Two outs!

Announcer 1: Here comes the cleanup hitter. He’s a power hitter who can hit to all fields. The pitcher decides to pitch from the stretch with a runner on first.
Announcer 2: There’s a sharp liner! The shortstop leaps to field a line drive—what a catch! That ends the inning.

Announcer 1: Let’s talk about the outfield. The left fielder is always ready to track a fly ball and make a long throw to the infield. The center fielder can really cover a lot of ground and back up second base on deep hits.
Announcer 2: And don’t forget the right fielder—he’s got a cannon for an arm, ready to throw out a runner at the plate or field a ball in the gap.

Announcer 1: The catcher is doing a great job too. He’s able to block pitches in the dirt and call the game to keep the pitcher focused.
Announcer 2: The manager is watching closely, ready to call a timeout or make lineup decisions if needed.
Announcer 1: That’s the end of a great defensive inning, full of sharp fielding and quick thinking!

MLB Fielding Positions: A Beginner’s Guide

Understanding the roles of each position is key to enjoying and following a baseball game. Here’s a simple guide to what each fielder does on the diamond.

First Baseman (1B)

The first baseman stands near first base and is responsible for catching throws from other infielders to get runners out at first. They often need to scoop low or bouncing throws and stretch to keep one foot on the base. First basemen also defend against bunts and sometimes make quick decisions on plays near the foul line.

Second Baseman (2B)

The second baseman plays between first and second base. Their job is to field ground balls, cover second base on steal attempts, and turn double plays with the shortstop. They must be quick and agile, moving side to side to stop balls hit up the middle or to their right.

Third Baseman (3B)

The third baseman is positioned near third base, often called the “hot corner” because of the hard-hit balls that come their way. They need fast reflexes to handle line drives and bunts. Third basemen also make long throws across the diamond to first base and protect the foul line to prevent extra-base hits.

Shortstop (SS)

The shortstop plays between second and third base and covers a lot of ground. They are often the infield leader, fielding grounders and line drives, making quick throws, and covering second base on steals or double plays. The shortstop needs strong defensive skills and a strong arm.

Left Fielder (LF)

The left fielder covers the area of the outfield behind third base. Their main job is to catch fly balls, field hits that get past the infield, and make throws to the infield. Left fielders also back up third base and sometimes cut off throws from center field.

Center Fielder (CF)

The center fielder covers the widest area in the outfield and is often the fastest defender. They are responsible for catching deep fly balls, backing up other outfielders, and making strong throws to home plate or the infield. Center fielders must read the ball off the bat quickly and cover a lot of ground.

Right Fielder (RF)

The right fielder plays behind first base in the outfield. They need a strong arm to make long throws to third base and home plate. Right fielders catch fly balls, field balls hit into the gap, and back up first base on infield plays.

Pitcher (P)

The pitcher stands on the mound and starts every play by throwing the ball to the batter. Their main goal is to get batters out by throwing strikes and using different types of pitches. Pitchers also field ground balls hit near the mound and back up bases on certain plays.

Catcher (C)

The catcher squats behind home plate and receives pitches from the pitcher. They are involved in every play, calling pitches, blocking balls in the dirt, and throwing out runners trying to steal bases. The catcher is also the field general, directing the defense and working closely with the pitcher.

Manager and Coaches

The manager and coaches are responsible for team strategy, making lineup decisions, and guiding players during the game. They may call timeouts, make substitutions, and adjust defensive positioning based on the situation.