Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. (US black) a temporary arrangement, a short period of time.

1973

Milner & Milner Black Players 307: short-stop 1. For a short period of time, short-term. 2. Abrupt end.

2. a fool, a dupe, a coward.

a.1954

‘Mexicana Rose’ in D. Wepman et al. Life (1976) 43: She was shot in the head by Smitty Cocaine, / A notorious shortstop and a practical lame.

3. of money, a small amount, just enough to carry one over for a short time; thus a gambler with little money; also attrib.

1961		J. Scarne Complete Guide to Gambling 690: Shortstop – a player who can afford to lose only a small amount. ‘This joint’s loaded with shortstops.’.
1972		Milner & Milner Black Players 247: A man who gets ‘short stop’ money or portions of welfare checks from a girlfriend, or several girlfriends.

4. a short person.

1983		Professor Brian Stabler in Wall Street Journal 24 June n.p.: Peewee, shrimp, shortstop, snuffbox—there’s a fair amount of invective leveled at these kids [R].
1983		N. Proffitt Gardens of Stone (1985) 88: Hazard’s brain was jumping around like a Mexican shortstop.