https://www.mlb.com/news/ted-williams-faced-defensive-shifts-in-1940s/c-191605204 Ted Williams used to face a shift in the 40s. There is nothing new about the shift, only the frequency it's used today. They used to shift on me, too, way back in the day I was playing (junior) college ball. I was right handed, and they'd place everyone along the right field line, spaced out every 25 feet or so, out to about 175 from the plate...just in case one of my oppo flares managed to stay fair.