Monday, May 13, 2013

Baseball Positions: Shortstop Is the Best

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Shortstop is the best position on the baseball field. Shortstops are the captains of the infield. They make some of the more spectacular plays. Shortstops have a large range and a strong arm. They are also involved in double plays.
Shortstops are the captain of the infield. They make sure the other infielders are aware of the situation. Shortstops communicate with the second baseman about who is going to cover the base on a stolen base or a double play started by the pitcher. And on an infield pop fly, it is the shortstop that makes sure there is not a collision between infielders trying to catch the ball.
Shortstops often make spectacular plays. On a play to their right, they have to get to the ball and turn around to throw all the way across the field. Also, with all of the ground that they cover, there are many plays in which they run and/or dive, then have to throw quickly for a close play at first base.
Shortstops have very strong arms. Because they are positioned on the left side of the infield and they play further from the hitter than the third baseman, they have less time to get the throw off to first base. On balls hit to their right, they have to throw in the opposite direction of their momentum. Since they can't use their body on these throws, it is done mainly with arm strength.
Shortstops are involved in many double plays. Their quickness and arm strength are crucial in turning the double play. Good shortstops will kill many rallies by turning a double play, giving their team a better chance of winning.
So there you have it. Shortstop is the best position to play. They are the captain of the infield. Shortstops have a large range and use their strong arms to make some spectacular plays. And they are critical in turning the double play.
If you are a shortstop, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Pee Wee Reese, Phil Rizzuto, Honus Wagner, Dave Concepción, Ozzie Smith, Robin Yount, Cal Ripken Jr., Alex Rodriquez, Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, and Jose Reyes.
This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7509772

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