Ambidextrous pitcher
Thanks to my brother for pointing this story about Pat Venditte, a Creighton University pitcher who throws with both hands. It includes a video. He has a specially made glove that can be used for either hand, and switches according to the batter. He can pitch more since he is not putting strain only on one arm, and he saves the bullpen as well. It just took some time for the umpires to get everything straight:
A switch-pitcher facing a switch-hitter could make a fine Abbott and Costello routine. Against Nebraska last year, a switch-hitter came to the plate right-handed, prompting Venditte to switch to his right arm, which caused the batter to move to the left-hand batter’s box, with Venditte switching his arm again. Umpires ultimately restored order, applying the rule (the same as that in the majors) that a pitcher must declare which arm he will use before throwing his first pitch and cannot change before the at-bat ends.
3 comments:
I just read a commentary in the Charlotte Observer entitled "Latin American players enrich baseball's diversity." Thought you might be interested.
Yes, I had read that in the Sunday paper and had been thinking of tracking down the study mentioned to take a look, but I haven't had time. What struck me is that MLB is very active in promoting baseball abroad, but in some ways seems to have given up trying to compete with the NBA and NFL at home. Maybe I'll get to that.
Greg,
There is another switch pitcher up in Tracy California who is on track to become the first pitcher in history to throw 90 plus with either arm in a game. You can see him on a video clip at www.wholebrainplanet.com
Michael Lavery
info@the hammerman.net
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