What exactly is a shortstop?

sjm said:
I've come to the conclusion that a shortstop is a player good enough to get the cash pretty consoistently at home but not good enough to succeed at mixing it up with the pros or the good road players. I would think most shortstops would qualify as A+ level players.
Click to expand...
Not to brag or anything, but that sounds like me. Although there are several at home capable of puttin' the "Black & Decker" on me. I would also hesitate to call myself a A+ player. Maybe B+.
 
My version of a shortstop Softball Analogy: A shortstop is normally the best player on your team, yet your team may not be the best team in the league. Your shortstop may only be a rec league player, and not an A league player. Leave your city league, and your shortstop may not start on another team.

Bring that analogy to pool and you have the bigger fish eat little fish story. Expand your pond size to find out just how good outside competition is.
 
BRKNRUN said:
I kind of always thought a road player was a road player.

I thought a shortstop was a home town guy that did not travel, but if a road player came to town and plays the shortstop. He either loses all his bank roll, or kills all his action, or both..........thus a "short stop".....

So...basically like Mark Tadd said...at "State" Champion, but not a Pro.
Click to expand...

This explanation is closest to what I think a shortstop is. I figured a shortstop was someone who is good enough to be a road player, but for whatever reason doesn't travel and stays local. Seems like this is the guy a road player wouldn't want to play.

To be a great road player, do you have to be a great pool player? or do you just have to know who and how to match up. I know a lot of people who brag about playing on the road at an earlier time in their life that won't play me even up and I am no world beater.
 
A Shortstop can also be............

Any good player who teams up with another player (who plays better) and they "Hit The Road".

If say - Earl Strickland were to go "On The Road" with Efren - He would become the SHORTSTOP!
Of course with this team - Efren might never get to play!

TY & GL
 
Last edited:
My definition was strictly based upon my opinion of what had come through Southern Billiards in the 6 years, from fall 1990 thru my departure in fall of 1996. I have seen QUITE a few roadies come through, and some had shortstops, some didn't. Usually the shortstop could also be the backer, but then sometimes that wasn't the case. It really depended on how strong the roadie was as to whether he had a shortstop. A weaker road player, he would have both a backer and a shortstop, and stronger one such as Grady, well he didn't need anyone. Again, this is just my definition based on my observations and opinion.

Shorty
 
Perfect description

macguy said:
A good local player who usually can't get by the better to top players. They seem to have the tools but may be part time players who have have jobs or just not really dedicated players. It's not really an insult but describes that type of player. They have also been known to move to player status if they become so inclined. When a road player is told a guy is a short stop, it means you will win but will have to work for it, the guy isn't a pushover or a dog, just a little weaker player who you should be able to beat but will have to play hard to do it.
Click to expand...


Mac,
That is probably a perfect description of a short-stop. To become a top player you have to get past the short-stops.
the Beard
 
Black-Balled said:
Hilarious, Purd. I think he changed his avatar from a chest shot to the booty-shaker.
Click to expand...
I see Black-balled is a chest man...Actually i bet most of us guys are soooo hopefully this avatar is more to your liking. I know it is to mine :p
 
Last edited:
Actually I told her that hulahoop was going to be an olympic event in '08 so she didn't mind me snapping her getting an early start. I love those natural blondes. And yes the carpet matches the curtains. :p :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top