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Why are there three infielders on one side of second base? What exactly is a defensive shift, and why do baseball fans argue about it so much? In this beginner-friendly episode, we break down how defensive shifts work, why teams started using them so heavily, and the surprising ways they changed the game. We’ll also cover famous examples of shifts working perfectly—and moments when they completely backfired. Whether you’re brand new to baseball or just want to understand the strategy behind the weird positioning, this episode has you covered.

New to baseball? Start with Beginner’s Dugout — the podcast that makes the game finally make sense.