Is being lefthanded hitting as a catcher a better tool than being a righthanded hitting catcher? Why?

All other things being equal, it will always be an advantage to be a left handed hitter, over right handed. Of course, if you don't hit well from the left side, then no advantage.

Was having a similar discussion just yesterday with some other coaches. The need for catchers of any sort is going up these days. Two local kids, one playing d1 the other in double A, have been asked to move to catcher. The college kid by scouts, who asked his coach to catch him once so they could see him behind the plate, and then said they intended to have him picked up as a catcher this June. The kid has only played 1B and OF his whole life. The Double A player has been asked by his organization to move from 3B to catch, but he doesn't think his knees would hold up. This past spring I know of a kid who converted from shortstop to catcher after an injury to his teams catcher...he was just asked to play in one of the bigger collegiate summer leagues...he's at a d3 and still very very raw at the position.

To answer the question...In my mind, if you're a catcher and can hit from the left hand side, you'll have people's attention much faster than if you hit from the right side (all else being equal). Having someone's attention is all you need to show them what you have.

quote:

Originally posted by falconbball33:
Is being lefthanded hitting as a catcher a better tool than being a righthanded hitting catcher? Why?

Its similiar to the advantage of being a left handed pitcher

My kid is a LHB catcher. It has always been a plus. It seems as if it's a bonus in coaches' eyes. It's better to bat from the left side, for several reasons.

Most pitchers are right handed. Curves are easier to hit if the break toward you. You are closer to first base. It is easier to bunt down the third base line. Plus - the girls like it better (according to my son.)

My son is a LH ctcher in the ACC. He will tell you that it's an advantage right until that 6-5 lefty closer comes into the game to face him with his 93 mph fastball and nasty slider.

It's an advantage if you can hit well. Lots of righthanded catchers are in the Hall of Fame.

I know what you mean baseball dad. Down by one my son was the leadoff in the last inning. Of course the other team puts in their big lefty pitcher. I could read my son's lips and believe me the words weren't any he would normally use in front of me. Thank goodness after going 0-2 in the count he pulled one down the right line for a double. Which ACC school is your son going to?