Only two players have their positions defined in the rules. The pitcher
must start each play in contact with the pitcher's rubber, and the catcher
must start each play in the catcher's box behind home plate. The other
seven fielders may position themselves anywhere in fair territory. Years of
experience has taught teams that the best position is to place four
infielders near the lines between first, second, and third base and three
outfielders deep in the field. Both infielders and outfielders are evenly
spread out to avoid large gaps between them.
If the pitcher catches a ground ball and makes an out on first, we record
it 1-3. In a double play, to get two runners out at once, if a shortstop
catches the ball and tosses to second to make the first out, and throws to
first for a second out, it is called 6-4-3 double play.
Using corresponding symbols to express one play in baseball gives two
major conveniences: it can explain the play with clearance and simplicity,
and it can be generalized so that it is easily understandable. This
expression acts like a formula in mathematics.
One of the terms derived from these position numbers is 5.5 hole. Few
decades ago, there was a most accurate batter in the end of the 20th
century called Tony Gwynn. Gwynn played for the San Diego Padres
from 1982 to 2001. During his career, he led in batting average in eight
seasons of national league, elected for all-stars 15 times, awarded golden
gloves five times, and dedicated for MLB hall of fame. He had always hit
over three hundred except for his rookie season, and the average of 0.370
in 1997 was the highest in the past 50 years. Gwynn was left-handed and
very talented in push-hitting, and he often hit hits between third
baseman and shortstop, and the phrase ‘5.5 hole’ was created. 5.5 hole