Definition

Noun: 1. A defensive position in baseball: The fielding position of the player stationed in the middle of the outfield, responsible for catching balls hit into the central area. 2. A location on the baseball field: The area of the outfield that lies directly behind second base and between left field and right field.

Usage Examples

• As a position:
  • She is the fastest runner on the team, so she plays center field.
  • The manager decided to put the new recruit in center field for the game.
• As an area of the field:
  • The batter hit a long fly ball to deep center field.
  • The ball rolled all the way to the wall in center field.

Advanced Usage

• "Center fielder": This is the term for the player who occupies the center field position. While related, it is a distinct compound noun from "center field" itself.
  • The center fielder made an incredible diving catch.

Variants and Related Words

• Center fielder (n): The player assigned to the center field position.
• Centerfield: A common alternative spelling, written as one word.

Synonyms

• Mid-outfield: A descriptive term for the central outfield area (less common).
• CF: A standard abbreviation used in baseball scorekeeping and statistics.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To patrol center field: Describes the action of a center fielder covering their defensive area.
  • He has the speed and range to patrol center field effectively.

Noun

1. the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is expected to field balls in the central third of the outfield
2. the piece of ground in the outfield directly ahead of the catcher
   • he hit the ball to deep center