![]() ![]() They cover second when a runner is attempting a stolen base, but only when a left-handed hitter is batting. 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. On some bunt plays, the shortstop often must make a run to third base so that the third baseman can field the bunt and throw to third base in a fielder's choice play in which the shortstop makes the play at third base. Because balls hit to or near the shortstop position are usually hit harder than to almost any other base, a shortstop must be extremely agile. Because the shortstop typically fields some of the ground balls that have traveled farthest in the infield and has a longer throw to first base from the point at which he fields the ball than any infielder other than a third baseman and less time in which to make a throw, a shortstop must have one of the strongest throwing arms on the field. Against an extreme pull hitter the shortstop may tend to a position about halfway between second base and third base for a right-hand hitter, and even on the first-base side of second base for a left-hand hitter. In practice the shortstop ordinarily positions himself to the third-base side of second base, but ordinarily much closer to second base than toward third base. Adams had a long playing career with the Knickerbockers: he remained a player with the team until 1859. With the advent of higher-quality baseballs, Adams moved to the infield, since the distance the balls could travel increased. Adams' shortstop position, which he started playing at some time from 1849 to 1850, was used to field throws from the outfielders and throw to the three infielders. The outfielders had difficulty throwing baseballs into the infield, because of the balls' light weight. The only infielders were the players covering each of the bases if there were more than eight players, extra outfielders were sometimes used. In the first five years the Knickerbockers played, the team fielded anywhere from eight to eleven players. 3.4 All-time single season putout leaders among shortstopsÄoc Adams of the Knickerbockers created the concept of the shortstop position, according to Thorn and Baseball Hall of Fame researcher Freddy Berowski.3.3 All-time single season assist leaders among shortstops.3.1 Shortstops inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame. ![]()
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