So Ted Williams wasn't a good ball player? He didn't do most of those things.
You mean the last player to hit 400. Lifetime batting Avg. of 344 and OBP of 482. And, 521 HR, while knocking in over 1800 runs. That Ted Williams? How do you think those numbers would be effected if they did a shift on him? You know what, they wouldn't, because Mr. Williams spread his hits to all parts of the field, never swung at bad, and knew the value of both the walk(2021, out 7,700 AB's), that's a walk every 3/4 times at bat!
When you start comparing ball players in today's era, to those of 50 years ago, try to chose one that will win the argument. Good ball players, like those of old DID know how to do the things listed, if asked to, and did them successfully. Today's ball players don't understand, or care about the art of the game, the little things which improve the team. Owners, Managers all know what puts people in seats(ignorant people), the Home Run. And, like the dunk in basketball or 300 passing yard game in football are all ruining the games we used to love. New audiences don't understand this, because they have never been exposed to solid team over individual philosophies. To me it's just a sad statement on the games I used to enjoy participated, coached, as well as watch. It's a rare time when I sit and watch a mid season game of baseball, or football, and basketball is a thing of the past(literally). If it wasn't for playoffs I wouldn't watch at all.
So, thank you for making my point. Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Ty Cobb, and so many more. All knew the value of playing the game how it should be played, and never needed "pinch hitters," or "designated hitters" that would have been insulting. A shift, thank you.