True, but you get used to it.
I played middle infield, mostly SS, and I never wanted to be at 3rd. First base I always believed was the "easiest"..., though not easy.
Yea, it always seemed the biggest and slowest good hitters ended up at first base but dealing with all the wild throws isn't easy..
Never had the arm for third.....didn't have the proper wrist action to make the throw without an arc. Barely did for SS and that was only up to a certain level and could use a 3/4 throwing motion.
Having played 2B from Little League through HS, and American Legion Ball (you oldtimers will remember), I'll grant you there is more involvement at 2B, but fielding a hot shot on the 3B foul line and making the cross field throw to 1B in time, is not at all easy, and not many can make that throw.
In my experience at 3B from LL - Legion ball, the key at 3B is quick reflexes fielding the ball and being patient with your throws. The ball gets there so quickly most of the time, patience with the throw and not rushing it is required.
Maybe not the easiest, but easier in many ways. Unlike 2B and SS, 3B is field the ball and throw. Quick reflexes and patience for strong, accurate throws are needed. 2B and SS require a lot more movement and premeditated thought on responsibilities requiring potential positioning and base coverages as well as essentially having short outfield responsibilities on bloopers and soft liners. 1B has its challenges with all the wild and crazy throws, holding runners while also fielding the position and coordination with the pitcher on base coverages.
I have to say, I don't entirely agree with that premise. Lots of tough chances and lots of long throws.
Having played all the infield positions, I found 3B to be challenging but also the easiest in terms of responsibilities which I guess was my point with that comment. A good arm was never a problem as I eventually evolved into a pitcher in HS and college.
no.
It's less situational, I'll give you that, but it demands outstanding athletic attainments to play well.
First base is where they used to put some ball players to extend careers. Sometimes they used right field for that. In the AL, the damnable DH is the first mode of career prolongment now.
Well the post is about the infield, so that's what I was speaking of.
There's just more due to more right handed batters. I don't think anyone insinuated that it would get on a 3b than 1b.
1st base was historically the one spot on defense where you could put one of the top two guys you recruited specifically for their bat. One of those guys takes up the DH spot the other presumably more athletic guy plays 1st. So yeah, all he has to do is be more athletic than one guy... unless the other guy is left handed, then he may be screwed. lol
That's how current I am - double-damnable - a concession to the freakin' player's union.
Lol yeah that is my point. Anyone who would try to say 3b is tougher or more athletic than 2b or ss is just wrong from a generic approach. Yes, A Rod or Arenado were/are probably more athletic than many at the other 2, but in general, that's how it is.
