Outfielder Training

Question
HI,
My name is Ethan Stetson, I am a 19yo student at University Of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. I am currently working on a research assignment in my information technology class. My question for you is; "What is the most important aspect of training for an outfielder (i.e. fielding fly-balls/ground-balls, throwing, batting, sprints)?".

Answer
Ethan,
In my opinion, the most crucial ability for an outfielder is OFFENSE.  BATTING.  There are good glove outfielders but it is tough to justify keeping a glove in the lineup if he is a .200 hitter.  On the other hand, if a player is a .350 hitter, even if he is a hack in the outfield, managers will keep him out there in left or right field.  Centerfielders are usually the best defensive outfielders.  Usually, this is the fastest outfielder because he controls the most territory on the field.  As far as the training aspect, I would say, although running speed is a big helper to an outfielder, it is still all about judging a fly ball.  Judging also means that the outfielder can "get a jump" by judging immediately where a fly ball is going to land.  That is a talent that can be natural for some guys, but developing judgement of a fly ball and "getting a jump" will improve the more practice flies an outfielder sees.  "Fungo" is a baseball slang word for practice fly balls hit by a coach or a friend with a skinny bat.  So, my number one "training aspect," if I were trying to create an outfielder would be hundreds--maybe thousands--of fly balls...or hours of fungo, if you prefer.  Hope this helps.  (I also responded to your revised question seperately.) -Brian