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Shortstop - Definition and Overview |
| Related Words: Athlete, Baseballer, Batter, Battery, Bowman, Catcher, Center, Coach, Competitor, Cricketer, Footballer, Guard, Infielder, Jock, Jumper, Lineman, Outfield, Outfielder |
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The position of the shortstop  A shortstop moves to his left, toward the center of the field, to play a ground ball Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. It is also used to describe the player who plays the position (e.g., "Ozzie Smith was a shortstop"). Shortstop is the most dynamic position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the ball slightly, so more balls go to the shortstop than any other position. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the shortstop is assigned the number 6.
Shortstops are required to cover second base in double play situations when the ball is hit to the second baseman, first baseman, pitcher, or catcher. They often cover second when a runner is attempting a stolen base. They also must cover third at various times, including the rotation play; that is, when there are runners on first and second and a sacrifice bunt is attempted. Shortstops generally are given precedence on catching popups in the infield as well, so they end up calling off other players many times, although on deep popups they fall back when an outfielder calls them off.
Traditionally, players are selected as shortstops for their fielding prowess, but in recent years more shortstops with excellent hitting have entered the leagues as well.
See also: Famous shortstops
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