Outfield assist facts for kids

An outfield assist in baseball happens when a player in the outfield (the part of the field farthest from home plate) throws the ball to an infielder or catcher, and that throw helps to get a baserunner out. It's like a long-distance tag-out!

What is an Outfield Assist?

An outfield assist is a cool play where an outfielder shows off their strong arm and accuracy. It means they caught a ball or picked it up, then threw it to a teammate who was able to tag out a runner. This often happens when a runner is trying to advance to another base or score a run.

How Outfield Assists Happen

Outfield assists can happen in a few different ways. The most exciting ones often occur at home plate. Imagine a runner on second base when a batter hits a single. The runner tries to score, but the outfielder quickly fields the ball and throws it all the way to the catcher at home plate. If the catcher tags the runner out before they touch the plate, that's an outfield assist!

Outfielders can also get assists by throwing to other bases. For example, if a runner tries to stretch a single into a double, an outfielder might throw the ball to the second baseman to get the runner out. These plays require quick thinking, a powerful arm, and a very accurate throw.

Why Outfielders Need Strong Arms

To make an outfield assist, a player needs a very strong and accurate throwing arm. They are often far from the bases, so their throw has to travel a long distance quickly. A good throw can prevent runs from scoring or stop runners from advancing, which can change the outcome of a game. It's a key part of being a great outfielder.

Images for kids

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  The shortstop (at right) has fielded the ball and thrown it to the first baseman; if the batter is put out, the shortstop will be credited with an assist.