of the
New York Yankees, seen here during his tenure with the
Miami Marlins, signed (at the time) the
richest contract in sports history in 2014. Outfielders must cover large distances, so speed, instincts and quickness to react to the ball are vital. They must be able to catch fly balls above their head and on the run, as well as prevent balls hit down the right field
foul line from getting past them. Being situated 250–300 feet from home plate, they must be able to throw the ball accurately over a long distance to be effective. Of all outfield positions, the right fielder often has the strongest arm, because they are the furthest from
third base. In addition to the requirements above, the right fielder backs up
first base on every throw from the
catcher and
pitcher, when possible, and all
bunted balls, since the catcher or the first baseman must be available for fielding the ball. The right fielder backs up
second base on any ball thrown from the left side of the field, i.e.
shortstop,
third base, or foul line territory. The right fielder backs up first base when the first baseman is in a run down between 3rd base and home. Right field has developed a reputation in Little League for being a position where weaker players can be "hidden" from the action. Unlike the Major League level where players routinely hit the ball in all directions and distances, most Little League players do not hit the ball into the outfield on a regular basis. Additionally, since right-handed batters—who tend to hit the ball in the left direction—are far more common than left-handed batters, the left fielder (and to lesser degree the center fielder) tend to have much more opportunities to make a play than the right fielder. ==Popular culture==