Switch Hitting Pitchers

rdomico · 08-07-2003, 08:24 AM

This is no big deal really, but I thought I would mention it.

The percentage of switch hitting pitchers seems to be the same as the percentage of switch hitting position players. I think there are very few real life pitchers who switch hit. I can't even think of one right now.

Bob

KurtBevacqua · 08-07-2003, 08:54 AM

I remember back in the 70s a pitcher named Fred Norman did reverse pinch hitting. He hit righty vs righty and lefty vs lefty.

Alan T · 08-07-2003, 09:43 AM

I know of some pitchers who would switch hit in school, as often many of those pitchers also played other positions in games they didn't pitch. Usually it seems when those pitchers are drafted however, their coaches generally convinced them to bat from just one side of the plate (the side where their pitching arm is protected from being hit by a pitch while batting).

There obviously have been some exceptions (including some who were not switch hitters, but hit from the opposite side from which they pitched from).. but that seems the most common that I have seen.

Sweed · 08-07-2003, 09:55 AM

Carlos Zambrano comes to mind but I think Alan T is right that coaches at that level want to (a) protect the arm and (b) have them concentrate on pitching without the distraction of hitting from both sides.

rrrozz · 08-07-2003, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KurtBevacqua
I remember back in the 70s a pitcher named Fred Norman did reverse pinch hitting. He hit righty vs righty and lefty vs lefty.

Not that this has anything to do with the game, but you just reminded me that Fred Norman's nephew Scott was my roomate for a few years here in FL.

tcblcommish · 08-07-2003, 02:57 PM

It might also have to do with the American League pitchrs too. Unless you actually went to look at the side they bat you wouldn't know. I honestly don't really know either

thebigUNIT · 08-09-2003, 02:46 PM

Joe Mays is a switch hitter, I believe.

Alan T · 08-09-2003, 07:00 PM

I hear Mike Piazza is too.. but he isnt a pitcher...

08-07-2003, 08:24 AM	#1
rdomico All Star Reserve Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Monaca, PA Posts: 832	Switch Hitting Pitchers This is no big deal really, but I thought I would mention it. The percentage of switch hitting pitchers seems to be the same as the percentage of switch hitting position players. I think there are very few real life pitchers who switch hit. I can't even think of one right now. Bob

08-07-2003, 08:54 AM	#2
KurtBevacqua Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,968	I remember back in the 70s a pitcher named Fred Norman did reverse pinch hitting. He hit righty vs righty and lefty vs lefty. __________________ "The type and formula of most schemes of philanthropy or humanitarianism is this: A and B put their heads together to decide what C shall be made to do for D. The radical vice of all these schemes, from a sociological point of view, is that C is not allowed a voice in the matter, and his position, character, and interests, as well as the ultimate effects on society through C's interests, are entirely overlooked. I call C the Forgotten Man" - William Graham Sumner

08-07-2003, 09:43 AM	#3
Alan T All Star Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mass. Posts: 1,963	I know of some pitchers who would switch hit in school, as often many of those pitchers also played other positions in games they didn't pitch. Usually it seems when those pitchers are drafted however, their coaches generally convinced them to bat from just one side of the plate (the side where their pitching arm is protected from being hit by a pitch while batting). There obviously have been some exceptions (including some who were not switch hitters, but hit from the opposite side from which they pitched from).. but that seems the most common that I have seen. __________________ - Front Office Offseason League. (Fast Paced OOTP-X and OOTP11 leagues, sims one season every week)

08-09-2003, 07:00 PM	#8
Alan T All Star Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mass. Posts: 1,963	I hear Mike Piazza is too.. but he isnt a pitcher... __________________ - Front Office Offseason League. (Fast Paced OOTP-X and OOTP11 leagues, sims one season every week)

08-07-2003, 02:57 PM	#6
tcblcommish Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 3,440	It might also have to do with the American League pitchrs too. Unless you actually went to look at the side they bat you wouldn't know. I honestly don't really know either

08-09-2003, 02:46 PM	#7
thebigUNIT Minors (Single A) Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Minnesota Posts: 84	Joe Mays is a switch hitter, I believe.