softball postions

Question
In placing your girl athletes in positions, where would you benefit the most in putting your best 4 athletes (excluding pitcher and catcher)? Have 4 girls who can catch anything, run fast (home to home in 12:50 give one or two seconds), and quick on their feet.

Answer
Hi Cindy,

Thanks for your question.  Hmmmmmm, without seeing the girls play I can't make accurate suggestions, but I'll do my best with generics.  Excluding Pitcher you definitely need a great, and flexible, player at first base.  It may seem like a waste of someone who can catch the ball, but trust me here, a good first baseman is paramount to a team's success in getting outs.  They don't have to be speedy or anything, just able to stretch and catch.  So, you may actually consider putting someone without speed, but a good glove here instead of one of your 4 favs.  #1 - First Base.

Number two, for me, would have to be Short Stop.  You'll need someone here who is quick on their feet who is not afraid of the ball and can catch-and-release quickly with a fair degree of accuracy.  A good, strong arm is not a requirement here.  They just need to get the ball to first base fast.  #2 - Short Stop

Number three and four are tied, for me.  I would split the difference between third-base and left-center.  Third base should be someone who is "fairly" quick on their feet, but that can catch-and-release quickly with a great degree of accuracy.  The throw from third to first is significantly further than short stop to first when you have a fast runner heading to first base.  So, your third baseman should have a very good and accurate arm.  Third base doesn't usually get the high degree of business that short stop gets, but it can get the hardest hit balls so again, they shouldn't be afraid of the balls here.  Your selection of left-center should have speed and be able to catch a line-drive on a full sprint.  Her arm should be good too, but accuracy is not as important here.  Your left-center should be in-charge of the outfield for necessary changes that occur during the game.  I have an "out-field coach", as I call him to call audibles during the game.  He/she should be able to move people around out there as needed.

Well, that's what I would do on a generic suggestion, but you know your players and what they can do.  Good luck!