Are there any MLB 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.
How many left-handed catchers have played in the MLB?
The Last left-handed throwing catcher to play the position was Benny Distefano who caught 3 games in 1989 for Pittsburgh. Through the 2008 season there have been 236 catchers (primary career position) who batted left-handed (out of the 1,693 career catchers). Of the 236 bat left catchers 225 threw right-handed.
Can a lefty be a catcher?
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.
Why aren’t there any left-handed catchers?
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 left-handed shortstops?
There are exceptions in which players have played these positions left-handed, but the fact remains that these are few and far between. A catcher and shortstop’s mobility is limited by being left-handed.
Why can’t lefties play third base?
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 not play 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.
Can a lefty play third base?
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.
Are left-handed batters better?
Left-Handed Batters For ages, it’s been a well-known fact that lefties do better in baseball. Left-handed hitters are more valuable than their right-handed counterparts at the plate. Lefty pitchers also tend to be more sought after.
Should a lefty play left or right field?
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. Youth baseball coaches often do not know that lefties should play only lefty positions.
Can a lefty play shortstop?
Baseball administrators and coaches almost never give left-handed players a chance to play second base, shortstop, third base or catcher. Left-handers have a clear disadvantage at those positions. After fielding a ground ball, the left-handers must spin their body around to make the throw to first base.
Which sport Cannot be played left-handed?
The traditional sport of polo is played on a grass field up to 300 by 160 yards (270 by 150 m). Each polo team consists of four riders and their mounts. The banning of left-handed playing in a game of polo is for safety reasons in order to avoid the likelihood of a head-on collision between players.