Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Analogies of Baseball and Basketball

Although these two favorite sports of mine are quite different from one another, I have found some similarities between them. These are still arguable but I'd like to make this comparison anyway.

In baseball, we have the following positions:
1. Pitcher (P)
2. Catcher (C)

3. 1st base man (1B)

4. 2nd base man (2B)

5. 3rd base man (3B)

6. Shortstop (SS)

7. Left fielder (LF)

8. Center fielder (CF)

9. Right fielder (RF)


In basketball, we have:

1. Point guard (PG)

2. Shooting guard (SG)

3. Small forward (SF)

4. Power forward (PF)

5. Center (C)


Now, the problem is that these baseball positions are "defensive" positions while my reference to basketball positions reflects on the offensive end which again reveals another analogy of these two sports: Playing defense in basketball is somehow similar to playing offense in baseball. In basketball, you basically have to stop your opponent from scoring and everyone's work is more or less similar i.e. guard your man and stop him from scoring, rebounding etc. In baseball, every man has to hit the ball (obviously according to the plan) and help the team to score runs. Every player's job is similar: swing/bunt and make a play.
Having said that, I would say pitcher is the point guard as he determines the game's direction, he (literally) holds the ball in his hands most of the time and controls the pulse of the game. The catcher is like the center; he dictates the plays and is the backbone of the team as everyone leans on him. He does most of dirty works and mops up the mess. The 1B is more like PF as he does more or less the same job as catcher and is very crucial. 3B, SS and 2B on the first level and the outfielders on the second level serve as SG/SF given their role and significance and involvements in the plays.

Here's a few other analogies off the top of my head:


Error = Turn over e.g. double dribbling, traveling, poor passing etc.

Balk = Unforced turnover by PG

Walk, HP = Forced turnover

Strikeout = 3 pointer by PG, assist by PG

Fielding error = Unnecessary foul, missed lay-up, turn over

Catching a fly ball = score by lay-up or jump shot

Catch line drive = Made jump shot/lay up under pressure by defense

Ground ball to 1B by infielders = Easy lay-up, free throw

Catching a home run = Score at the buzzer

Double play = Assist/steal and easy jump shot, rebound and fast break for easy 2

Triple play = Block and fast break for 3 pointer

Pick off on 1st = Successful pick and roll between PG and C/PF

2 comments:

Amir H. Fassihi said...

What about "Fielder's Choice" ? ;)
I liked this post...

What about "Dunk" ?

adoosh said...

I suppose that would be when PG calls for a play with C/PF but SG/SF ends up being free for a easy 2...yeah that would be my equivalent of fielder's choice.

Dunk would be any successful fielding that results in easy "burning" of a runner, mostly on 2nd or 3rd, I guess...but thanks for the challenge anyway ;-)