Uncover the origin of the term “shortstop” and its role in baseball. Explore the intriguing history behind this pivotal position, bridging second base and third base.
Key Takeaways:
- Examine the historical evolution of the term “shortstop” in baseball.
- Discover the pivotal role and unique responsibilities of players in this position.
- Gain insights into how language and sport intertwine, shaping the terminology of America’s favorite pastime.
Baseball began with four outfielders and only three infielders to guard the bases.
In 1849, D.L. Adams (1814-1899) realized that three men could cover fly balls in the outfield.
By moving one of these outfield players to the infield he could keep a lot of ground balls from getting through by “stopping them short,” thus giving the new position its name of shortstop.
Technically, the shortstop position is still an outfielder.
