Shortstop

Also, like a third baseman, the shortstop fields balls hit to the left side of the infield, where a strong arm is needed to throw out a batter-runner before they reach the safety of first base.

[1][3] The position, more of a fourth outfielder than an infielder, was also then called "short fielder" (a term still used in soft-pitch softball for the 10th player).

[4] With the advent of higher-quality baseballs, Adams moved to the infield, since the distance the balls could travel increased.

[5] Adams had a long playing career with the Knickerbockers: he remained a player with the team until 1860.

Depending on the system the shortstop may cut balls from left field heading home; however, this is usually the job of the third baseman.

[8] In practice, a marginal fielder as a shortstop who hits well can be moved to almost any other position, especially second base or third base, whether early in their careers (examples: George Brett and Mike Schmidt were both tried early in their careers as shortstops)[9][10] or later due to diminished fielding range, slower reflexes, weaker throwing arms, increased risk of injury, or co-existence with another dominant shortstop, as with Ernie Banks, Cal Ripken Jr., Alex Rodríguez, Michael Young, or Miguel Tejada.