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Originally Posted by sfeldkamp
They don't exist in baseball. Players on the left side of the diamond have to throw to the right side of the diamond for plays at first base. It takes too long for a left handed throwing player to change their body position to be able to make the throw. Most left handed throwing players play first base or the outfield (or become pitchers at an early age).
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A throw to first base on a play in front of a 2B, 3B or SS creates an awkward twisting throw that isn't nearly as strong as the simple cross-body throw a righthander has to make in the same situation. Bunt plays at third base are especially difficult. Lefty shortstops actually have an easier time on double plays, but the added difficulty of plays in front of them more than makes up for it. Second basemen generally have enough time to turn and throw, but double plays are all but impossible for them. All three positions are impossible for a lefty to play at a high enough level to compete professionally.
The old predjudice against lefty catchers, however, is groundless, IMO.