just would like your thoughts on what position gets the hardest hit balls at them? i feel the pitcher gets his share of shots up the middle, especially when hitter has 2 strikes, but i think the hardest position to play is 3rd base. with the hot bats, big hitters,usually good balls, batters pulling the ball seem to get more on the ball than batters just trying to hit the middle for a base hit..your thoughts...

I think pitchers. They are the closest and don't have the luxury to play further back. Seen more pitchers get hurt bad this yr, than in yrs past.

Just my opinion from years of playing and umpiring, no scientific data, hardest hit, 3rd base; least reaction time, pitcher; most "wicked" (movement, hardest to judge), 1st base. The hardest ball that I have ever seen hit to the infield was at a softball World Series in South Bend. Rusty Bumgardner mis-hit a ball that short hopped in front of the short stop and about took his head off. When Rusty got to first, I remember him saying, "Sorry, short".

go run in the OF for a tourney and see what is toughest at our age!

Swing - Especially if you play a 3 man outfield.

This is my first year pitching at age 60 for a 50s Norcal team. I have played infield my entire softball career. I can say without a doubt that the pitcher gets the hardest balls hit at them. All of the other infielders have the advantage of playing further back. The pitcher is much closer to the batter and has a second or two to react to a shot up the middle.

swing for the fences he didn't ask what position a player would get tired the most he asked what is the toughest position. I'd have to say the pitcher for any batter, third base for a right handed batter and first base for a left handed batter

I play first, third and pitch. First or third it is hit or miss if the ball is at you. My arm is pretty strong and at third I can back up. Pitching is the toughest from the standpoint of least time to react. Outfield is toughest for stamina on a hot day. SS is toughest because of fielding side to side and the other responsibilities.

Robo2,
We share positions in this I'd agree w\ ya but add to it the pitcher is supposed to back up all corners as well as I do. So my vote if this were put to a vote, the pitcher.

Physically, the toughest position is catcher. Try hitting bombs when your arm is hanging after a 1000-throw day.
Mentally, the toughest position is EH. You have one bad AB and then wait 20 minutes to try to get it back, all the while cooling down way too much in the dugout, shagging balls and checking your text messages.
I do agree with Richie though - playing OF in 90+ heat for 2 days can definitely take away your legs, but I'd rather do that then sit around while all the cool kids get to play.

LP.. talk to the Center fielder after a Major+ 50s Tourney... Try playing it and run after everyball in your area for 5 games on a weekend and see how you feel! Then tell me what you think is toughest!

There is no question that the pitcher is going to get the "hardest" (quickest)shots so that is the most dangerous position.

There is also no question that the OF is the most physically demanding for OG's. Hell, just chasing a couple foul ball leaves me winded.

NCS13...catcher for sure...you forgot to mention having to keep the umpire entertained for 7 innings, most of these guys have are a strange lot indeed and being able to converse with them can be mentally draining.
Plus running down those bad bounces we get when the ball hits the corner of the mat...bending over to pick those up can throw your back out in a heartbeat.
Tough position indeed...

Joncon, I think you hit it spot on. There are 2 issues in this topic, that are being expressed. Who plays the most dangerous position, and which position is most physically challenging. I would probably just add SS to your OF position.

I mostly pitch and play 1B in my old age. When I play 1B, I play even with the bag. After pitching, that is far back enough for me as I am stationary and not in my pitching motion. If I play any further back, the runner can get in the way and/or the ball takes too long to get there with extra bounces.

JMHO,

Andy Smith,
R & R Strokers

Pitchers get the hardest hit balls with the 3rd basemen and hairs breath behind.

As far as toughest--physically challenging position to play:

1. When I pitch-it is pitcher

2. When I catch-it is catcher

3. When I play outfield-it is outfield.

4. When I get to the field on day 3 or 4 of a major tournament-all the positions are physically challenging.

Mulewhipper, I have made a note to mentally wear you out the next time I ump your game. Don't worry, I get the joke. I just wish that I was still able to play instead. The only real option to play here is coed, and I decided not to play a game with guys half my age hitting at me. It is much better to hang with you guys. Sometimes umping is the hardest position on the field. Only having an indicator and a brush is not great protection when a hard hit ball comes at you.

Player/Manager has to be in the top three toughest
positions, trying to convince the wife to manage, some of the players believe that would be an improvement.
Capt Kirk

Capt. Kirk-I have to agree with you-player/manager has to be considered. Having done it, your mind is constantly on everything but your own performance. I really don't ever want to do it again.

Having played both corners and pitch, I would say pithing is the position that the player is most apt to be injured by a hard hit ball. As for "toughest" position I would have to say outfield probably takes top spot. It's a lot easier to run in and out to the infield every inning vs. the outfield, not to mention having to chase down the hits that get through the infield (fly and foul balls included); especially when you're playing multiple games per day.