Left-Handed Catchers In Major League Baseball
Left-handed catchers in Major League Baseball are a rarity. In fact, there have only been 31 left-handed catchers in the history of the league. While left-handed catchers may seem odd to most people, these players possess a rare skill set that can be beneficial to their team.
Why Are Left-Handed Catchers So Rare?
Left-handed catchers are so rare because of the way the game is designed. When a left-handed batter is at the plate, the catcher is positioned in such a way that it’s easier to throw out a runner attempting to steal second base. The majority of batters in the league are right-handed, meaning that left-handed catchers would be at a disadvantage when throwing to second base.
In addition, left-handed catchers have a more difficult time fielding bunts, as they would have to turn their body to make the throw to first base. This extra movement takes up valuable time and can lead to an error.
Who Are Some Famous Left-Handed Catchers?
Despite their rarity, there have been some famous left-handed catchers in the history of the league. One of the most well-known left-handed catchers is Hall of Famer, Benny Bengough. Bengough played for the New York Yankees in the 1920s and was the first left-handed catcher to win a World Series. Another famous left-handed catcher is Mike Squires, who played in the 1970s and 1980s for the Chicago White Sox. Squires was known for his reliable defense and was often used as a pinch-hitter.
Are Left-Handed Catchers Disadvantaged?
While left-handed catchers do face some disadvantages, they also possess unique advantages that can make them valuable to their team. One of the biggest advantages is their ability to block pitches in the dirt. Because left-handed catchers have a glove on their right hand, they can use their left hand to block pitches that would be difficult for right-handed catchers to handle. This skill can be particularly useful when there are runners on base.
In addition, left-handed catchers can be beneficial when their team is facing a lineup with several left-handed batters. Because left-handed catchers are positioned differently than right-handed catchers, they can provide a different look for the pitcher and possibly disrupt the timing of the opposing batters.
Is There a Future for Left-Handed Catchers?
Despite their rarity, it’s possible that we may see more left-handed catchers in the future. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in developing left-handed catchers at the amateur level. Some coaches believe that left-handed catchers can be a valuable asset to their team and have started to look for players with the necessary skills.
Whether we’ll see a significant increase in the number of left-handed catchers in the future remains to be seen. However, it’s clear that these players possess a unique skill set that can be beneficial to their team.