Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive 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.
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Significant shortstops
Baseball Hall of Fame members
- Luis Aparicio
- Luke Appling
- Dave Bancroft
- Ernie Banks
- Lou Boudreau
- Joe Cronin
- George Davis
- Travis Jackson
- Hughie Jennings
- John Henry "Pop" Lloyd (Negro Leagues)
- Rabbit Maranville
- Pee Wee Reese
- Phil Rizzuto
- Joe Sewell
- Ozzie Smith
- Joe Tinker
- Arky Vaughan
- Honus Wagner
- Bobby Wallace
- Monte Ward
- Willie Wells (Negro Leagues)
- Robin Yount
Multiple Gold Glove winners
- Ozzie Smith - 13
- Luis Aparicio - 9
- Omar Vizquel - 9
- Mark Belanger - 8
- Dave Concepcion - 5
- Tony Fernandez - 4
- Alan Trammell - 4
- Barry Larkin - 3
- Roy McMillan - 3
- Rey Ordonez - 3
Other notable stars
- Dick Bartell
- Bill Dahlen
- Nomar Garciaparra
- Jack Glasscock
- Dick Groat
- Derek Jeter
- Herman Long
- Marty Marion
- Alex Rodriguez (converted to third baseman in the 2004 season)
- Cal Ripken, Jr.
- Vern Stephens
- Maury Wills
See also
- Gold Glove award winners: AL, NL
- List of Gold Glove middle infield duos
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