Why do catchers have to be right handed?

A right-handed catcher catches a right-hander's breaking ball across his body, with his glove moving out of the strike zone. A left-handed catcher would be able to catch the pitch moving into the strike zone and create a better target for the umpire.

Why are there so few left-handed catchers?

1. Left-handed throws to second base are adversely affected by right-handed hitters. Controlling the running game is important, and the majority of plate appearances come with a right-hander at the plate. So the assumption is that “throwing through the batter” negatively affects the catcher's accuracy.

Are there any pro left-handed catchers?

The last left-handed catcher to play in the big leagues was Benny Distefano, who caught three games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1989. Before Distefano, there had only been a handful: Jack Clements, Dale Long and Mike Squires to name a few. Why so few lefties behind the dish?

Can a catcher throw left-handed?

As for the 19 catchers in baseball's Hall of Fame, four of them are left-handed batters – Yogi Berra, Mickey Cochrane, Bill Dickey and Louis Santop. At age 59, Benny Distefano is what you call a baseball “lifer.”

Why is there no left-handed shortstop?

A catcher and shortstop's mobility is limited by being left-handed. While a right-handed thrower will naturally be in the position to get the ball where it needs to be, a left-handed thrower's awkward range of motion and form adds precious milliseconds to a play in a game where every tiny thing counts.

The Real Reason There Are No Left Handed Catchers

Why can't lefties play third?

You are right on that lefties should not play baseball shortstop or 3rd base. The only positions lefty baseball players should play are pitcher, firstbase and outfield positions. The problem is that so few players can play shortstop and third base there is a supply and demand problem.

Why do lefties have better swings?

And in many cases, lefties have longer swings through the hitting zone because they are afforded a split-second longer to see a pitch from a righty than a right-handed batter.

Are there any lefty catchers in the MLB?

Twenty years ago this Tuesday, Distefano, then a hanging-on major leaguer, served as a left-handed catcher in a major league baseball game. No one has done so since. Like Ladies Night and pitchers named Wilbur, left-handed catchers are effectively extinct — for reasons on which there is bizarrely little consensus.

Has there ever been left-handed shortstop?

While right-handed throwers can be found at any of the nine positions on a baseball field, left-handers are, in practice, restricted to five of them. You won't find a lefty at catcher, second base, shortstop or third base.

Why do lefties play first base?

Left-handed throwers actually have an advantage playing first base because the only difficult throws that the first baseman usually makes are to third or second base in an attempt to force out a baserunner.

What is the best position for a lefty in baseball?

First base is the only position where having a left-handed player is preferred. The left-handed first baseman's glove is on his right hand and that puts him closer to the fielders when a ball is thrown. It also gives him a better angle when it comes to stretching for the ball and picking up errant throws in the dirt.

Is it hard to be a catcher in baseball?

But the catcher has the most responsibility of any player on the field, eclipsing even that of the pitcher. Being a catcher is the hardest job in baseball. Right now, if you're able, get into a crouching position.

Why do catchers wear nail polish?

Baseball catchers use nail polish or nail stickers to make their fingers more visible to the pitcher. A different color on the catcher's fingertips makes it easier for the pitcher and catcher to communicate on what pitch is coming next.

Who was the last left-handed catcher?

The Last left-handed throwing catcher to play the position was Benny Distefano who caught 3 games in 1989 for Pittsburgh.

Has there ever been a one armed catcher in baseball?

Peter James Gray (né Wyshner; March 6, 1915 – June 30, 2002) was an American professional baseball outfielder who played for the St. Louis Browns of Major League Baseball for one season in 1945. He was notable for playing despite having lost his right arm in a childhood accident.

Should a 1st baseman be left-handed?

Lefties are ideal for first base because with their glove on their right hand, it makes it easy for them to turn to the base with their glove facing the field. Right handed first basemen have to take a few extra steps to turn their bodies, which is a disadvantage for them compared to lefties.

Can a lefty play 2nd base?

In addition, second basemen are usually right-handed; only four left-handed throwing players have ever played second base in Major League Baseball since 1950. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the second baseman is assigned the number 4.

Are there any lefty 3rd baseman?

Rizzo became only the seventh left-handed third baseman in baseball since 1913, joining Mario Valdez, Don Mattingly, Terry Francona, Mike Squires (who did it 14 times), Charlie Grimm, and Hall of Famer George Sisler. He's the first to do it since Valdez of the White Sox spent an inning at third on July 2, 1997.

Do lefties have an advantage in baseball?

Lefties have an advantage in baseball, primarily on the mound and at the plate. The game isn't “rigged” in favor of southpaws like some say, but left-handers have better chances of advancing to higher levels in baseball.

Why is it called shortstop?

The shortstop position is between the second base and the third baseman. Its name comes from where it's located, as it requires the player to stop the short side of the field and act as a cutoff for the left and center fielders. Also seen on box scores and graphics, the shortstop position is labeled SS.

Can left handers play infield?

The vast majority of players are right-handed, and the shape of the infield means that left-handed players have to throw awkwardly to their weak side to get an out at first base. As a result, they're often relegated to certain positions on the field.

Who has the prettiest swing in baseball?

Ken Griffey Jr.

If there was ever poetry in motion on a baseball field, it was in Griffey's swing. The Kid is not only one of the greatest players in baseball history, with 630 home runs and 10 Gold Glove Awards to his name, the Hall of Famer also had one of the prettiest swings we've ever seen.

Why is left-handed pitching so valuable?

It's a lot easier to see the ball coming from a pitcher of the opposite hand -- especially breaking pitches, which are easier to hit if they're coming toward you rather than moving away from you.

Why do lefties throw differently?

There are countless ways to move the ball and each pitcher has his own unique way. The increased movement of a left handed pitcher's fastball is a product of their intent and focus to throw the ball down and away from right handed hitters, plain and simple!

Why is third base called the hot corner?

Third base is known as the "hot corner", because the third baseman is often the infielder who stands closest to the batter—roughly 90–120 feet away, but even closer if a bunt is expected. Most right-handed hitters tend to hit the ball hard in this direction.