In baseball and softball, all nine fielders have defined responsibilities and need to move on every play.
Outfield fly to left with bases empty, the play is to make the catch and hold the runners.
Play:
| Situation: | Bases empty with less than two outs |
| Offense: | Outfield fly to left field |
| Defense: | Play is to make the catch or field the ball and throw to second |
Player Responsibilities:
| Pitcher: | Back up the throw to shortstop or second base |
| Catcher: | Cover home |
| 1st base: | Cover first base |
| 2nd base: | Cover second base |
| 3rd base: | Cover third base |
| Shortstop: | Go hard to the ball to make the catch until left field calls the catch (has second priority). If left makes the catch, then become the cutoff into first or second. |
| Left: | Go hard to the ball to make the catch (has first priority) |
| Center: | Back up left |
| Right: | Move toward first base for possible back up |
| Note: | Left and shortstop need to go hard to the ball to attempt to make the catch. On fly balls into shallow left, left field has priority over shortstop on making the catch. |
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