The runner was forced out when the shortstop covered second.
The photographer labeled the developer, shortstop, and fixer trays.
She started at shortstop for the varsity softball team.
The shortstop ranged deep into the hole and threw to first.
Fresh shortstop helped keep the darkroom process consistent.
Similar words
short
shortstop bath
stop bath
middle infielder
stop
infielder
SS
Meanings
Infield role between second and third base
noun
sports
neutral
The defensive position in baseball or softball between second and third base, or the player who fields from that spot.
Examples
The shortstop ranged deep into the hole and threw to first.
She started at shortstop for the varsity softball team.
A good shortstop needs quick hands, range, and a strong arm.
The runner was forced out when the shortstop covered second.
The coach moved the rookie from second base to shortstop.
Similar words
short
infielder
middle infielder
SS
Bath that stops photographic development
noun
photography
technical
A stop bath used in film or print processing to halt the action of the developer before fixing.
Examples
The print went from the developer into the shortstop for a brief soak.
Fresh shortstop helped keep the darkroom process consistent.
The photographer labeled the developer, shortstop, and fixer trays.
Old shortstop can lose strength after repeated use.
A vinegar-like smell often comes from an acid shortstop.
Similar words
stop bath
shortstop bath
stop
Etymology
Formed from short and stop. It is recorded in cricket in 1837 for a fielder near the wicketkeeper, and in baseball by 1857 for the player between second and third base.
FAQ
What is a shortstop in baseball?
A shortstop is the infielder who plays between second and third base and handles many balls hit to the left side of the infield.
Can shortstop mean the player and the position?
Yes. shortstop can name the fielding position or the player assigned to that position.
Is shortstop used in softball?
Yes. Softball also has a shortstop, with a similar role between second and third base.
How is shortstop abbreviated?
Shortstop is commonly abbreviated SS in lineups, box scores, and scorekeeping.
What skills does a shortstop need?
A shortstop needs range, quick reactions, clean fielding, a strong arm, and good communication with other infielders.
Why is shortstop scored as 6?
Modern baseball scorekeeping assigns shortstop the number 6, though older systems varied before the convention settled.
What does shortstop mean in photography?
In photography, shortstop can mean a stop bath, the chemical bath that halts development before fixing.
Is shortstop the same as fixer?
No. A shortstop or stop bath halts development, while fixer makes the image stable and less light-sensitive.
Comments & contributions
Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
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Wandering Puma
5 days ago
I played SS for one summer and mostly remember my coach yelling TALK TALK TALK
0
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Civil Sandpiper
5 days ago
Japanese baseball learners get tricked here too. ショート is common, but English wants shortstop, not shortstopper lol
1
Reply
Lively Seahorse
Aug 24
En dominicana mi abuelo decia campocorto, no shortstop, pero mirando MLB en ingles ya se mezclan todos
1
Reply
Crisp Hedgehog
5 days ago
Mexico is more parador en corto in my experience. torpedero also pops up in broadcasts
2
Contribution
Cloudy Pigeon
Aug 22
Darkroom people will understand shortstop, but stop bath is the safer everyday phrase. In forum talk the argument is usually acid stop vs water rinse, not what shortstop means.
2
Reply
Contribution
Earnest Koala
Aug 9
Since the MLB shift rules changed, the shortstop cant just start on the second baseman's side for a lefty pull hitter. You can shade him, but the infield still needs two guys on each side of second when the pitch is released.
6
Reply
Jade Ladybug
Aug 16
college and youth rules can be different tho. MLB rules are not the whole sport
1
Contribution
Amber Walrus
Aug 7
pool halls use shortstop in a totally different way, meaning that scary local guy who is just under pro speed. not a baseball position there, more like dont gamble with him unless you know exactly what youre doing
4
Reply
Contribution
Smoky Plover
Aug 3
If someone says a player is a left-handed shortstop, check whether they mean bat or throw. Lefty hitters can play there, but left-handed throwers at short are basically gone once the game gets serious because the throw to first and the double-play turn are backwards.
5
Reply
Contribution
Smoky Swallow
Aug 2
the weird old part is that early baseball's shortstop was more like a relay man in the short field, not the modern infielder planted deep in the hole. the old ball was light enough that throws in from the outfield needed help, so Doc Adams had that extra guy bring it back in