6

In the numbering system in baseball, the number 6 position is occupied by the shortstop. The shortstop is the player who stands over the area that lies between the second base and the third. This is the fielding position that many consider as one of the most demanding of all defensive positions.

Moving from Third Base to the First

The shortstop has to keep near second base, specifically on the side of the third base. He will move closer to the third base if the player bats with his right hand, but move towards first base if the batting player is left-handed.

In the early days of baseball, the 6 or the shortstop position was given to players who showed poor batting skills. They were assigned to the lowest rung of the batting ladder. These days, shortstops are players capable of effective hits, and in many cases, they are assigned to the top rungs of the game line-up.

Compared to other positions, more balls fly towards the shortstop. This is because usually in baseball, more players are right-handed hitters, and when they hit the ball, it flies towards the right where the shortstop is. Another reason is hitters tend to slightly pull the ball.

A Good Skillset of Speed and Agility

An effective shortstop should have a good skill set which includes agility and speed. For instance, when doing a 4-6-3 double play, a shortstop has to be agile in catching and throwing the ball. He should also move fast the way a third baseman does: he has to field balls that fly to the left infield area and to do this, he needs a strong arm so he can throw out a runner or batter who is running to secure first base.

Fluid Movements

Unlike other positions, the 6 or the shortstop can change their movements and positioning depending on what they think will be the next moves of the batter and the runner. They have the option to change their movements accordingly as the play develops.