Image credit: Mississippi State third baseman Nate Chester fields in the shift against Florida. (Mike Janes/Four Seam Images)

Introduction

Before the 2024 College World Series opener against Florida, former Texas A&M head coach Jim Schlossnagle found himself in a predicament. He needed to find a way for his Aggies to produce outs against star Florida slugger Jac Caglianone, a task that had stumped most teams. After much thought, Schlossnagle decided to deploy an extreme defensive shift, sending one infielder deep into the grass and the others to the right side of second base. This move sparked a debate about the role of the shift in college baseball.

The Case for the Overshift

Many coaches and administrators argue that the overshift is a necessary tactic in college baseball. UCLA head coach John Savage believes that banning the shift would create more offense, as teams would no longer be able to position their infielders in favorable areas. In recent years, the trend in college baseball has been towards more runs being scored, and coaches feel that making it harder to get guys out is not the answer. "We cannot ban the shift. Period. The quality of pitching, the quality of defense, the rate at which college players are getting to ground balls, it’s not even comparable to pro baseball," Savage said.There is also an element of player safety to consider. With growing offensive outputs and higher exit velocities, the shift allows teams to try to field those hard-hit balls more cleanly. In the 2024 College World Series alone, four players produced maximum exit velocities of at least 117 mph. In the regular season, hitters routinely reached triple digits in this category.

The Opposing View

Despite the widespread support for the overshift, there are still some coaches who have concerns. A handful of coaches voiced their opposition, arguing that the shift is unfair to left-handed hitters. Others feel that aligning with MLB's rules would lead to more adequate development for infielders who eventually turn pro.However, it's important to note that many of the players who face the shift at a high rate are still incredibly successful against it. In 2024, Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, Wake Forest first baseman Nick Kurtz, and Caglianone combined to bat well over.400 against the shift, including several dozen extra base hits.

The Impact on Players

Kentucky coach Nick Mingione believes that the shift will be to the players' benefit after the NCAA trims roster sizes to 34 players starting in 2025. Longer, higher-scoring games could put increased strain on athletes, and the shift minimizes the impact on defenders. "If they’re going to have us go down to 34 players and we don’t get to call up new guys if someone gets hurt, we should be allowing the shift," Mingione said.

The Future of the Overshift

Despite the controversy, the overshift is likely to remain in college baseball. Most coaches are vehemently opposed to its disappearance, as they believe that it is a part of the game that adds balance. "I think it’s coaching, it’s scouting, it’s getting the ball to go where you want it on the field," Savage said. "I’m a believer in preparation and pitch planning and defensive planning."In conclusion, the overshift in college baseball is a complex issue that has both supporters and detractors. While there are concerns about fairness and player development, most coaches believe that the shift is a necessary part of the game that adds excitement and balance. As college baseball continues to evolve, the role of the shift will likely remain a topic of discussion.