Expert: Tom Schott - 8/11/2011

Question
Origin of shortstop specifically regarding placement in field - do you think this is because the majority of batters are right handed?

Much thanks!

Answer
Hi Linda,

According to Peter Morris in "A Game of Inches" vol. 1, the position began evolving in 1849. An early player named Daniel Adams in a 1896 interview claimed to be the first to take that position. According to him, the use of a more resilient ball that could be hit and thrown farther caused the outfield to play deeper and make relay throws necessary. Another account in the Cincinnati Enquirer, April 1, 1888, by a former player, Tim Murnane, stated virtually the same reason for the evolution of the position in the 1850s. Another account by Clarence Deming, in a piece in the magazine "Outing" in 1902 says "The short-stop for many years shifted ground to a point between first and second bases if a left-handed striker was at bat."

According to Murmane again, Dickey Pearce (Brooklyn Atlantics, 1850s) transformed the position into a key defensive one. George Wright was the first to play the position deep and close to second base, allowing the second baseman to play further off his base. In 1869, Wright and Charley Sweasy were the first guys to play short and second they way they are played today.