Shortstop is one of the most important positions in baseball and the number 6 is a key part of the answer to why it is so important. Shortstop is considered the “keystone” of the infield and is responsible for a lot of the action that takes place on the field. The number 6 has become associated with the position due to the fact that it is the most versatile of all the infield positions, and it has been that way for hundreds of years. So why is shortstop 6 and not 5?
History of Shortstop 6
The number 6 has been associated with shortstop since the earliest days of the game. The position was originally known as the “short fielder” and was the player positioned between the first and second basemen. This was done to give the defense an extra player on the infield, as well as to provide extra coverage on ground balls.
In the late 1800s, the “short fielder” was renamed the “shortstop” and the number 6 was adopted to represent the position. This was because the number 6 was the most versatile number on the diamond and could be used to cover any ground ball that was hit. It was also seen as the best number to have a player that could quickly move from one side of the infield to the other in order to make plays.
Modern Day Importance of Shortstop 6
In modern baseball, the number 6 is still seen as the most important number for the shortstop position. This is because the shortstop is the player that is responsible for making the most plays on the diamond. They are expected to be able to move quickly from side to side, as well as have the ability to make quick decisions and throws to the other infielders.
The shortstop also has the ability to make plays on balls hit in the gap between the first and second basemen. This is why the number 6 is so important, as it allows the shortstop to cover the most ground and make the most plays.
The Importance of Defensive Positioning
In addition to the number 6, the importance of defensive positioning is also a key factor in why shortstop is so important. As a general rule, the shortstop is positioned between the first and second basemen. This is done to give the defense an extra player on the infield, as well as to provide extra coverage on ground balls.
The shortstop is also positioned behind the second basemen in order to cut down on the time it takes for the second basemen to reach a ground ball. This is important because it allows the defense to have a better chance of making a play on the ball.
Conclusion
The number 6 has been associated with the shortstop position since the earliest days of baseball. This is because the number 6 is seen as the most versatile number on the diamond and is the best number to have a player that can quickly move from one side of the infield to the other. In addition to the number 6, the importance of defensive positioning is also a key factor in why shortstop is so important. This is done to give the defense an extra player on the infield, as well as to provide extra coverage on ground balls. The shortstop is also positioned behind the second basemen in order to cut down on the time it takes for the second basemen to reach a ground ball.