Is it good to be left handed in softball?
Lefties obviously have an advantage pitching. I have also seen some pretty good left handed catchers. 1st base is the obvious choice in the infield. I would never play a lefty at 2nd (has to turn 180 degrees to throw to 1st) or 3rd (glove hand toward the foul line).
What position can left handers play in softball?
Playing a left-hander at catcher would be more feasible, Eldridge said, though it’s still wrought with inherent flaws. “Most batters in softball are right-handed, so the throw to third on a steal or even the throw to second base out of the crouch means the ball has to go through the batter,” Eldridge said.
Why is it bad to be a left handed catcher?
Why left-handed throwers are effectively banned from catching is less obvious than why they can’t play shortstop or third base. The most common reason cited is that a left-handed catcher is at a disadvantage in making the throw to third base, especially with a right-handed hitter at the plate.
Can a lefty play shortstop in softball?
Its possible, but as sweetpea said, I think it starts to become a bigger disadvantage at around 14U in fastpitch. I can’t recall seeing any left handed shortstops playing at college, though I am sure there have been a few.
Why can’t left handers play infield?
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.
Do left-handed softball pitchers have an advantage?
Most lefties tend to have more spin on the ball (ie- fastballs naturally curve) or maybe people anticipate the ball to spin one way, and it goes in the opposite direction. In softball as in baseball, left handed pitchers have an advantage over equally skilled right handed pitchers.
What is the most important position in softball?
The most important positions in a team are the pitcher and catcher. A good pitcher can have a significant impact on a game and a good catcher controls all defensive plays.
Why are there no left-handed throwing 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 third 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. …
Why are there no lefty shortstops?
The baseball shortstop is one of most difficult baseball positions on the baseball field to play. 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.
Do Lefty-handers need different mitts for baseball and softball?
Since lefty-catchers are a rarity in both baseball and softball, some suppliers will not specify that they only sell their mitt for right-handers. This can also be the case for infield gloves because left-handers usually do not play infield past a certain age.
Which hand does your throwing glove go on?
An Amazon listing for a left handed throwing glove – meaning the glove goes on your right hand. If a listing doesn’t specify what handed-glove you are purchasing at all, make sure to contact the seller if you can’t find an alternate listing online.
Where can I buy left-handed baseball gloves?
Worn on the right hand, left-handed gloves are most common for outfielders, pitchers, and first basemen, but are also available for catchers and middle infielders. JustBallGloves.com carries a wide selection of left-handed baseball gloves, fastpitch gloves, slow pitch gloves, and youth gloves with fast, free shipping!
Is there a specification for a catchers mitt for left-handed throwers?
If there is no specification, don’t just assume that the glove is for a right-handed thrower. Sometimes, catchers mitts are made for right-handed throwers specifically. When purchasing a catcher’s mitt for a left-handed thrower, make sure to do some extensive research before making the purchase.
