The shortstop
Captain of the infield. More ground balls, more ground to cover, more decisions than anyone.
The rule: You get the most chances, so know the play before the pitch — every pitch.
The captain
More grounders come to you than anyone.
Most hitters are right-handed, and most of their ground balls come to the left side — straight at you. That is why teams put their best fielder at short: you simply get the most chances.
Eyes up
You make plays with a runner staring at you.
Runner on second, grounder to short: he is not forced — he is watching, waiting for you to throw. Look him back to the bag, then take your out at first. Head up, always.
Turn two
The 6-4-3 starts in your glove.
Runner on first, grounder to short — the prettiest play in baseball. Flip to second for one, on to first for two. You start more double plays than anyone on the field.
The relay
Deep ball to left or center? Go be the middleman.
When a ball gets past the outfield on your side, you sprint out to become the cut-off man. The outfielder hits you, you fire to the right base. Two short throws beat one long one.
Infield in, runner breaking.
Runner on third, infield pulled in, sharp grounder to you. The runner breaks for home. Tap where the play is.