Vote In Our Weekly Poll Question!
Every week I’m posting a baseball history-related question and will encourage our readers to voice their opinion.
Vote in the poll box to the right. Then feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. We’d love to hear what you have to say!
Here’s a little background info:
Shifts are nothing new. As Jeff Zimmerman noted in the 2014 Hardball Times Annual:
“The shift dates back to at least the 1920s, when opposing managers resorted to the strategy in an attempt to cut down on hits off the bat of Cy Williams. As well, the luminous Babe Ruth faced occasional outfield shifts during his prime seasons. However, it was the “Ted Williams shift” employed by Indians manager/shortstop Lou Boudreau on July 14, 1946 that took things further.”
In the featured photo above, we see a diagram of the “Williams Shift,” as designed by Cleveland manager Lou Boudreau.
In my humble opinion, I do think shifts are hurting the game. My solution: The shortstop and third baseman must be required to stay on the left field side of second base until the ball is hit. Likewise, the second baseman must stay on the right field side of second base until the ball is hit.
Anyway…let’s hear what you have to say!
