Utility player
In sport, a utility player is one who can play several positions competently, a sort of jack of all trades. Sports in which the term is often used include football (soccer), baseball, water polo and softball.
In cricket, the term all rounder is used.
Baseball
Notable utility players in baseball, capable of playing in most baseball positions include Bert Campaneris, José Oquendo, César Tovar, Cookie Rojas, Honus Wagner and Rex Hudler (who played only as a position player, not a pitcher), who played every position on the field during their respective careers; Tony Phillips, the first player to start 10 games at five different positions in the same season; and Mike Brumley, Chone Figgins, Ryan Freel, Denny Hocking, José Macías, Joe McEwing, Mark McLemore, Pablo Ozuna, Desi Relaford, B.J. Upton, Omar Infante, Scott Spiezio, and Luis Salazar.
In softball, a utility player is a player who can play several positions but can also bat well. Coaches often look for such players to bat as clean-up or 5th in the lineup.
American football
In gridiron football, the utility player is often capable of playing multiple positions, and often they may play both offense and defense. In the National Football League, Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots uses the utility player frequently. Examples of notable utility players include:
- George Blanda, kicker and quarterback, Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders
- William Perry, defensive tackle and fullback, Chicago Bears
- Mike Vrabel, former defensive end, converted to linebacker/tight end
- Kordell Stewart, quarterback/wide receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Antwaan Randle-El, quarterback/wide receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Jason Peters, offensive tackle/tight end/special teams, Buffalo Bills
- Eric Crouch, oft-injured wide receiver and quarterback, multiple teams and leagues
The tackle eligible is a special form of utility player. Note that generally, a player who plays a regular position as well as special teams is usually not considered a utility player; only those who play two distinct offensive and/or defensive positions are considered such.
Soccer (Association football)
In football, like other sports, the utility man is usually a player who can play a myriad of positions. Notable examples include:
- John O'Shea, midfield, defense,(occasionally keeper), Manchester United[1].
- Phil Jagielka, midfield, defense,(occasionally keeper), Everton
[2].
- Michael Essien, midfield, defense, Chelsea [3].
- Gareth Barry midfield, defense, Aston Villa [4].
- Matt Taylor midfield, defense, Bolton Wanderers[5].
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- ^ Daily Telegraph. "O'Shea to donate Keeper Jersey". Retrieved 2007-10-10.
- ^ Daily Telegraph. "Keeper Jagielka Saves Warnock". Retrieved 2007-10-10.
- ^ Square Football. "Essien the modern Utility Man". Retrieved 2007-10-10.
- ^ Aston Villa. "Gareth Barry Player Profile". Retrieved 2007-10-10.
- ^ Reuters. "Bolton Sign Utility Man Taylor". Retrieved 2007-10-10.
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