3 Types of Players & Baseball Positions Best for Them

Coach Dan Blewett
31 Aug 202113:35
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRCoach Dan Blewett's video delves into the importance of finding the right baseball position based on a player's skills, body type, and athleticism. He categorizes players into three groups: fast and scrappy, athletic with power, and big-bodied power hitters, explaining how these attributes align with positions like shortstop, center fielder, and first baseman. The video emphasizes understanding one's strengths to maximize potential and impress scouts for college or professional prospects.

Takeaways
  • πŸ† Understanding your skill set and body type is crucial for finding the right baseball position.
  • πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ Fast and scrappy players with good fielding skills typically fit positions like center fielder and shortstop.
  • πŸ’ͺ Players with a mix of power, athleticism, and slightly bigger build are suited for corner outfield and third base.
  • 🚫 Mismatching a player's abilities with their position can lead to underperformance and limit their potential.
  • 🌟 Exceptional athleticism is often seen in shortstops and center fielders, as these positions demand a high level of range and speed.
  • πŸ… Scouts and coaches look for players who can excel in specific roles and contribute effectively to the team's success.
  • πŸ“ˆ The ability to get on base and score from second on a single is more valued for certain positions like first base.
  • πŸ€” Players should assess where they fit best in the team's lineup and focus on honing their skills for that position.
  • 🎯 Position players can be categorized into three bins: athletic and fast, athletic and powerful, and power hitters with larger builds.
  • πŸ”„ Finding the right fit between a player's physical attributes and their position can make or break their career progression.
  • πŸŽ₯ Scouts evaluate players based on their ability to perform at higher levels, considering factors like speed, power, and defensive capabilities.
Q & A
  • What is the main focus of Coach Dan Blewett's video?

    -The main focus of the video is to discuss the various positions in baseball, the demands and skill sets required for each, and the body types that are best suited for different positions, helping players understand which position is right for them.

  • Why is it important for a player to fit a role in their team?

    -It is important for a player to fit a role in their team because it allows them to be their best self and contribute effectively to the team's performance. Playing out of position or not aligning with one's skillset can hinder both individual and team success.

  • Which positions are typically considered the most athletic in baseball?

    -Shortstop and center fielder are typically considered the most athletic positions in baseball because they require a combination of range, explosiveness, first step quickness, and raw speed.

  • What are the three 'bins' that position players can be categorized into according to the video?

    -The three 'bins' are: 1) athletic and scrappy, 2) fast and not as big, and 3) powerful and big-bodied. These categories help players identify which position suits their skills and physical attributes.

  • Why might a player with less speed but more power be better suited for corner outfield or third base?

    -A player with less speed but more power might be better suited for corner outfield or third base because these positions typically require less range, allowing for a bigger, more powerful build that can contribute to the team through hitting home runs and providing power in the lineup.

  • What is the primary role of a first baseman or catcher in terms of offensive contribution?

    -The primary offensive contribution of a first baseman or catcher is to hit the ball hard and often, resulting in home runs or balls hit into the gaps. Speed is less important for these positions compared to their hitting power.

  • How do scouts evaluate a player's potential to play at the next level?

    -Scouts evaluate a player's potential by assessing their skills in their specific position, their physical attributes, and their performance during games. They consider whether the player's abilities align with the demands of higher-level competition.

  • What can be a potential issue for a player who doesn't fit well into any position?

    -A player who doesn't fit well into any position may face a dead end in their career. They might be too fast for some positions but lack the power or arm strength for others, leading to uncertainty about where they fit best and potentially limiting their opportunities to advance.

  • What advice does Coach Dan Blewett give to players about honing their skills?

    -Coach Dan Blewett advises players to hone their skills in positions that align with their physical attributes and skill sets. For example, fast and scrappy players should focus on improving their skills at second base or center field, while more powerful players might focus on corner outfield or third base.

  • How does a player's body type influence their potential position in baseball?

    -A player's body type significantly influences their potential position. Smaller, faster players are often suited for middle infield positions like shortstop and second base, while bigger, more powerful players are typically found in corner outfield or first base roles. Each position has specific physical demands that players need to match to be effective.

  • What should a player consider when trying to determine their best position in baseball?

    -A player should consider their speed, power, agility, arm strength, and overall physical attributes, as well as their specific skills in fielding, hitting, and base running. They should also consider how these factors align with the demands of different positions and where they can best contribute to a team's success.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ† Understanding Baseball Positions and Skillsets

Coach Dan Blewett introduces the topic of baseball positions, emphasizing the importance of matching a player's skillset and body type to the right position. He discusses the three categories of players: athletic and fast, athletic and scrappy, and powerful and big-bodied. The video aims to help players understand their strengths and weaknesses to optimize their performance and potential for college or professional baseball. Coach Dan also highlights the significance of being true to oneself and fitting into a team's lineup effectively.

05:00
πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ Position Fitting and Scouting Perspectives

This paragraph delves into the specifics of fitting players into positions based on their physical attributes and abilities. Coach Dan explains how certain positions like shortstop and center fielder require high levels of athleticism, while others like first base and catcher prioritize power over speed. He also discusses the expectations of scouts when evaluating players for higher levels of competition, stressing the importance of players excelling in their designated positions to maximize their chances of advancement in the sport.

10:01
πŸ“ˆ Role Fulfillment and Career Development

In the final paragraph, Coach Dan focuses on the concept of role fulfillment within a team and how it impacts a player's career development. He emphasizes the need for players to understand their role and excel in it, as this will determine their success at higher levels. The discussion includes the challenges faced by players who do not fit neatly into a position's typical profile and the risks of being miscast. Coach Dan concludes by encouraging players to hone their skills in positions that suit their abilities, ensuring they are prepared for opportunities at the next level.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Baseball Positions
The various roles players take on the field in baseball, which are crucial for understanding where a player might fit best based on their skills and physical attributes. The video discusses how certain positions like shortstop and center fielder require high levels of athleticism, while others like first base and catcher prioritize power and may not require as much speed.
πŸ’‘Skill Sets
The specific abilities and talents that a baseball player possesses, which are essential for determining the best position for them on the field. Skill sets include physical attributes like speed, strength, and agility, as well as technical abilities such as hitting and fielding.
πŸ’‘Body Types
The physical build and characteristics of a baseball player, which can significantly impact the positions they are best suited for. Body types are categorized in the video into three bins: athletic and fast, athletic and powerful, and large and powerful, each correlating with different field positions.
πŸ’‘Scouts
Individuals who evaluate and recruit players for baseball teams, often focusing on specific attributes and skills that players possess. Scouts are interested in how well a player's abilities align with the needs and strategies of the team they represent.
πŸ’‘Athleticism
The level of physical fitness, agility, and coordination a player possesses, which is highly valued in baseball, especially for positions that require a lot of movement and quick reactions.
πŸ’‘Fitting a Role
The concept of aligning a player's abilities and characteristics with the specific needs and expectations of a team's lineup and strategy. Fitting a role is important for maximizing a player's contribution and for the team's overall performance.
πŸ’‘College Prospects
Refers to high school baseball players who are being considered for recruitment by college teams. College prospects need to demonstrate that they have the skills and potential to play at a higher level of competition.
πŸ’‘Be True to Yourself
The idea of being authentic and honest with oneself about one's abilities and potential, rather than trying to fit into a role or position that doesn't align with one's natural skills or attributes.
πŸ’‘Lineup
The batting order of a baseball team, which is strategically arranged based on the players' abilities, such as speed, power, and hitting skills, to optimize the team's offensive performance.
πŸ’‘Power Hitting
The ability to hit the baseball with great force, resulting in home runs or extra-base hits. Power hitting is a valuable skill for certain positions in baseball, especially for larger and stronger players.
πŸ’‘Defense
The aspect of the game where players focus on preventing the opposing team from scoring by catching, throwing, and fielding the ball. Defense is a critical component of baseball, and players are expected to excel in their defensive roles based on their position.
Highlights

Coach Dan Blewett discusses the importance of understanding baseball positions and how they match with a player's skills and body type.

Players are categorized into three bins based on their athletic abilities: fast and scrappy, athletic with some power, and powerful and big-bodied.

Shortstops and center fielders are typically the most athletic players on the field due to the demands of their positions.

The athletic and fast players, such as second basemen and shortstops, are often more fielding-centric and provide value through their explosiveness and quickness.

Corner outfield and third base positions are suited for players with some power and a bigger build, but who may not have the same speed as center fielders.

First base and catcher positions prioritize power and hitting ability over speed and defensive range.

Understanding one's fit within a team's lineup and roles is crucial for maximizing individual performance and contributing to the team's success.

Players should focus on honing their skills in positions that align with their physical attributes and skill sets.

Scouts and coaches evaluate players based on their ability to perform at higher levels, considering factors like speed, power, and defensive capabilities.

Players without a clear position or those who don't fit the profile of their current position may struggle to advance in their baseball careers.

The video aims to help players understand which baseball position is right for them and how to become the best version of themselves on the field.

Being true to oneself and recognizing one's strengths and limitations is essential in choosing the right baseball position.

The discussion includes examples of professional players like Mike Trout, Francisco Lindor, Nolan Arenado, and Bryce Harper to illustrate the concept of position fitting.

Coach Dan emphasizes the importance of being a good fit for a team's needs and how that can impact a player's future prospects in college or professional baseball.

The video serves as a guide for players to understand where they can fit on the field and how to develop their skills to match their potential positions.

Transcripts
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