Every day at 3:00 p.m., my co-workers and I play catch on the grassy area adjacent to our office building. It's my favorite 10 minutes of the work day.
One co-worker, who plays for a recreational softball team, has taken to throwing left-handed during the break time, even though that isn't his dominant side. He says he's saving his arm, but I think he's plotting to become the major league's next ambidextrous pitcher.
When the topic came up, I turned to my greatest ally for information, the internet (thanks, Al Gore). There was some information about Greg Harris, the only man to ever pitch both left and right-handed in a game in the 20th century.
But the more interesting link was a New York Times story about a guy named Pat Venditte, who is an ambidextrous pitcher for Creighton. Venditte pitches from both sides of the plate, and it's not just a circus act. He has a 3.29 ERA, and may wind up as a draft pick in an upcoming MLB draft.
It's a fascinating story, but I don't think this guy will end up being big league material. My guess is the novelty will wear off when he can't get anyone out in Double-A. He may be good -- even very good -- throwing from both sides, but in order to maintain and improve his ability, he'll have to choose a side. And then the novelty is gone.
What about switch hitters, you ask? True, but I answer that if you look closely, most switch hitters experience a significant drop in average or power (or both) from one side of the plate.
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1 comment:
i remember a certain high school tennis player who had quite a wicked lefty serve and who was infatuated with 2 handed forehands...maybe you could be the ATP's first ambidextrous player
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