BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Shane Justis hopes to one day reach the major leagues as a shortstop … or a third baseman … or an outfielder.

It doesn’t really matter what position Justis is asked to play — all the Bel Air native wants is an opportunity.

Justis, a 21st-round draft pick out of Towson University in 2005, is playing all over the field for Single-A Inland Empire 66ers, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Justis started this season as a utility player before recently becoming the 66ers starting third baseman. Prior to that, he played every position but center field and catcher, even logging one shutout inning as a pitcher.

“Not long after I signed it was suggested to me that I learned to play multiple positions to maximize my chances to reach the majors,” Justis said. “When there are guys ahead of you that signed for more money you have got to do anything you can to get the team’s attention.”

Entering the week, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Justis was batting .299 with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 56 games. Justis said playing the same position regularly is beneficial to his success, but his experience playing other positions is invaluable.

“You just try to stay relaxed no matter where you are asked to play,” said Justis, who played second base and shortstop in college. “You have to stay mentally tough if you want to perform at a high level and take the next step toward the major leagues. I consider myself a pretty good athlete and I know if I’m ever going to play with the Dodgers, I’m going to have to play a number of positions because there is always a need for utility guys, especially in the National League where there are so many double-switches.”

Justis said one on the highlights of his professional career is it’s enabled him to travel across the country. He played last season for the low-Single-A Columbus (Ga.) Catfish before getting promoted to the high-Single-A Vero Beach (Fla.) Dodgers. Justis then moved out west to San Bernardino, Calif., when the 66ers became the Dodgers new high-Single-A affiliate.

“I’ve gotten the chance of a lifetime to see more of the country than most people get to see,” Justis said. “But, I don’t want to be in ‘A ball’ forever. I’m hoping to be a Double-A by the end of the year and hopefully get a chance at the majors in the not-to-distant future.”

THE JUSTIS FILE

» Age: 24

» Hometown: Bel Air

» Schools: Bel Air High School/Towson University

» Position: Infielder

» Did you know? Justis was a two-time All-Colonial Athletic Association second-team selection at Towson … He batted .343 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs and 17 doubles his senior season.