Why does baseball have shortstops?

Answer 1

The shortstop's role is almost identical to that of the 2nd baseman. Both players share the responsibility of 2nd base, although the 2nd baseman covers it more often. If you watch the playing field, you will sometimes see the infield move to the left or right, depending on who is batting. Generally, the shortstop stands between 2nd and 3rd while the 2nd baseman stands between 1st and 2nd (to cover the large gap where a ground ball often goes when it's hit. If the infield shifts to the right, you will then see the shortstop assume the role of the 2nd baseman by covering 2nd base so that the actual 2nd baseman can field the ball and, if necessary, throw to the shortstop for an out.

Just for fun, you may also take a look at all of the shortstops in MLB. You will notice that none of them throw left-handed and they probably never will. A right-handed shortstop is the key ingredient to starting double plays, whereas a left-handed shortstop would have to twist his body to make an accurate throw to 2nd. That small amount of time is all that is needed to stop a double play from occurring.