A third baseman is a player in baseball who occupies the position near third base, one of the four bases on the field. This player is responsible for fielding ground balls, catching line drives, and making quick throws to first base to get runners out. The third baseman often plays a crucial role in preventing runs by stopping hits that could lead to scoring. In addition to defensive duties, the third baseman also contributes to the team's offense by batting. They typically have strong throwing arms and quick reflexes, as they need to react swiftly to hard-hit balls. Notable third basemen in history include Mike Schmidt and Chipper Jones.