Left fielder
In baseball, the left fielder - abbreviated LF - is the player who covers left field (e.g., "Ted Williams was a left fielder").Outfielders must cover large distances, so speed, instincts and quickness in reacting to the ball are key. They must be able to catch fly balls above their head and on the run. They must be able to throw the ball a long distance and accurately to be effective. Amateur players may find it difficult to concentrate on the game, since they are so far from the action. Emphasizing the correct position will give outfield players something to concentrate on at each pitch.
Of all outfielders, the left fielder often will have the weakest arm, as they generally do not need to throw the ball as far in order to prevent the advance of any baserunners. The left fielder still requires good fielding and catching skills, and backs up third base on pick-off attempts from the catcher or pitcher.
This is the list of renowned left field players that were inducted into the Hall of Fame (*), and/or were winners of the Golden Glove (GG).
- Barry Bonds (9 GG)
- Lou Brock (*)
- Jesse Burkett (*)
- Fred Clarke (*)
- Ed Delahanty (*)
- Goose Goslin (*)
- Chick Hafey (*)
- Rickey Henderson (1 GG)
- Monte Irvin (*)
- Joe Kelley (*)
- Ralph Kiner (*)
- Heinie Manush (*)
- Joe Medwick (*)
- Minnie Minoso (3 GG)
- Stan Musial (*)
- Jim O'Rourke (*)
- Al Simmons (*)
- Willie Stargell (*)
- Joe Rudi - (3 GG)
- Zack Wheat (*)
- Billy Williams (*)
- Ted Williams (*)
- Carl Yastrzemski (*) / (7 GG)
- Bob Allison
- Brady Anderson
- Garret Anderson
- Sandy Amoros
- Albert Belle
- Phil Bradley
- Johnny Briggs
- Jose Canseco
- Bob Cerv
- Marty Cordova
- George Foster
- Dan Gladden
- Ken Griffey, Sr
- Larry Hisle
- Chipper Jones
- Bob Johnson ("Indian Bob")
- Charlie Maxwell
- Hideki Matsui
- Ben Oglivie
- Tony Phillips
- Lou Piniella
- Tim Raines
- Manny Ramirez
- Jim Rice
- Gary Ward
- Roy White
- Willie Wilson
- Gus Zernial
Gold Glove Award