Left field is the best position on the baseball field. Since most hitters are right-handed and the best hitters throw the ball, the best hitters hit the ball to left field more often. Left fielders are expected to be solid outfielders, preventing running backs from taking extra bases. At the plate, they are generally fast and powerful hitters.
More than half of Major League hitters are right-handed. A good hitter will pull the ball more often, giving the left fielder more opportunities to field the ball with all those right-handed hitters. Also, those blows will usually be stronger. [1]so it’s much more important to have a good left fielder.
A good left fielder will reach the ball quickly and return it to the infield before the runners can take extra bases. A left fielder with good reach will rob hitters of base hits by reaching for more fly balls and catching them for outs. It’s also the left fielder’s job to recover a lot of throws to third base, which can prevent runners from scoring on missed throws.
Many times, a left fielder’s bat is just as important as his glove. They tend to have a good combination of speed and power. Their speed helps them get on base more often and also allows them to steal bases. Their power helps them drive races.
In short, left field is the best position because of all the action. More balls will be hit to left field, because most hitters are right-handed. Whether it’s a run to catch a fly ball, cut off the ball, and hold the runner at first base, or back up a play at third base and save a run, left field provides plenty of excitement.
Some of the best left fielders from different eras are: Ted Williams, Ralph Kiner, Carl Yestremski, Lou Brock, Willie Stargell, Rickey Henderson, and Ryan Braun. Ted Williams is considered by many to be the greatest hitter of all time. Ralph Kiner hits 40 or more home runs 5 times. Carl Yestremski was the last to lead the league in average, home runs, and RBIs in the same season. Willie Stargell hits 475 home runs. Lou Brock held the major league record for stolen bases in a season and in a career, until Rickey Henderson broke them. And Ryan Braun is one of the best young hitters, hitting over .300 and hitting 128 home runs in his first four seasons.
1 http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2009/06/, Velocity of the ball off the bat by horizontal angle.