attempting a steal. Henderson holds both the single season and career stolen base records. Of all outfielders, the left fielder often will have the weakest arm, as he generally does not need to throw the ball as far to prevent the advance of any baserunners, especially at third base. The left fielder still requires good fielding and catching skills, and tends to receive more balls than the right fielder because
right-handed hitters tend to
"pull" the ball into left field.
Defensive roles Outfielders have a critical off-ball role as well: backing up the other fielders when a ball is hit or thrown to them. When a ground ball is hit to the left side of the field, the left fielder will run behind the
third baseman or
shortstop in case the ball gets by them. On
bunts,
pickoffs and in
rundowns, the left fielder backs up or covers third base. Similarly, when a runner is stealing third base, the left fielder will back up the throw from the catcher in case the throw misses third base. == Hall of Fame left fielders==