Why is the shortstop position #6, and third base #5?

[steddie]

I have heard it goes back to the early days of BB. Back then SS was positioned further toward the outfield.

[jbolt_2000]

Meaning, why isn't it in order of the location on the field? First base is 3, second base is 4, so since shortstop is next, shouldn't it be 5?

Because when the position was first created, it was meant to be as an outfielder position (think buck-short position). Thus it was between (not literally) the third baseman and the left fielder.

Then over the years the position moved to the infield for strategic purposes but the position number stuck.

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Meaning, why isn't it in order of the location on the field? First base is 3, second base is 4, so since shortstop is next, shouldn't it be 5?