In 1916, Shorten appeared in 53 games for the Red Sox, 13 as a starter in center field, eight as a starter in right field, and one start in left field. He compiled a .295 batting average and .352 on-base percentage in 124 plate appearances. The 1916 Red Sox won the American League pennant with a 91-63 record and defeated the Brooklyn Robins in the 1916 World Series. Shorten appeared in two games in the 1916 World Series for the Red Sox, and collected four hits and two RBIs in seven at-bats for a .571 batting average. He was also caught stealing twice in the series. Fifty years later, Shorten's Associated Press obituary described him as the "batting hero of the 1916 World Series."