How many MLB catchers have been left-handed?

As for the 19 catchers in baseball’s Hall of Fame, four of them are left-handed batters – Yogi Berra, Mickey Cochrane, Bill Dickey and Louis Santop. At age 59, Benny Distefano is what you call a baseball “lifer.”

Can MLB catchers be left-handed?

Encyclopedia of Baseball Catchers – Left-Handed. Being left-handed in baseball, except in rare cases, means exclusion from the position of catcher. This is due in large part to the game’s counterclockwise flow. There have only been 30 left-handed throwing players who caught in at least 1 defensive inning.

How many left-handed second basemen in MLB?

four left-handed
In addition, second basemen are usually right-handed; only four left-handed throwing players have ever played second base in Major League Baseball since 1950.

Why dont you want a left-handed catcher?

Left-handed throws to second base are adversely affected by right-handed hitters. Controlling the running game is important, and the majority of plate appearances come with a right-hander at the plate. So the assumption is that “throwing through the batter” negatively affects the catcher’s accuracy.

Can third baseman be left-handed?

You are right on that lefties should not play baseball shortstop or 3rd base. The only positions lefty baseball players should play are pitcher, firstbase and outfield positions.

What is the best position for a lefty in baseball?

First base is the only position where having a left-handed player is preferred. The left-handed first baseman’s glove is on his right hand and that puts him closer to the fielders when a ball is thrown. It also gives him a better angle when it comes to stretching for the ball and picking up errant throws in the dirt.

Can lefties play catcher in softball?

They are so rare, in fact, that Major League Baseball has not had a starting left-handed catcher since 1989. Lefty catchers are rare in softball as well, with Colorado State softball head coach Jen Fisher saying she has never coached a lefty catcher in her 20 plus years of coaching.

Why do lefties not play shortstop?

The baseball shortstop is one of most difficult baseball positions on the baseball field to play. The only positions lefty baseball players should play are pitcher, firstbase and outfield positions. The problem is that so few players can play shortstop and third base there is a supply and demand problem.