Do You Have What it Takes to Play Shortstop

On baseball teams there is an infielder who plays between second and third base. This position is the shortstop. While most people can learn to play baseball, it takes a certain individual to play shortstop. The player has to be fast by moving with the ball and be able to play both offensively and defensively.

These are some of the responsibilities of a shortstop:

1. He helps stop hit balls from going into the outfield.

2. He plays balls whether they are lower to the ground or are hit higher in the air.

3. He is a key player when it comes to double plays.

4. He is a back-up player for the second baseman

5. He is normally the cutoff man for balls thrown from the outfield.

The shortstop is usually referred to as the captain of the infield, since he has a better view of the hitters. By seeing their stances in the batter's box, he is usually the one who instructs the other infielders to move forward or backward.The shortstop has to be ready for most hits. Since the majority of baseball players hit right handed, the hit balls will be heading in his direction. He must be ready for the balls with knees bent and be able to shift his weight and head in the direction of the hit ball.

The shortstop must know everything that can possibly happen on the field. For example, there may be a runner on first base. The shortstop must except that the runner may attempt to steal second base. Therefore, he needs to play closer to second. Even if he does not steal, a hit ball in the infield can make an easy out at second.

A shortstop must not only be quick, agile and have a strong arm. He also needs to show confidence and leadership. If you have what it takes to play the shortstop position in baseball, go for it.