Ambidextrous pitcher

[jim]

The reason the rule was instituted was because of the fear that you'd have two guys continually switching spots in the batters' box and pitching arms, and you'd never get the AB done. In other words, they wanted to prevent that heinous-to-MLB occurence, the "travesty".

Researching this rule, apparently this did happen in a college game somewhere (maybe with this pitcher). Abbott and Costello routine I guess, until the umps finally took control.

Interesting. Would this rule prevent that situation? That could still happen on the first pitch of the AB.

I'm not sure AD, somehow I remember this being talked about some time ago and I remember being told the pitcher had to "declare" which arm he was going to throw with. The rule was designed from what I understand to prevent a mockery of the game. I *think* the batter can step out and switch sides once he sees which side the pitcher is throwing from. So there maybe some confusion on the first pitch, but at least it won't go on forever.

[StatmanCrothers]

I would think the batter has to step into the box. Then the pitcher could choose to throw it any fashion he can, within the rules.

The batter could REQUEST a time out to step out (hoping to switch sides) but the request to step out is always at the ump's discretion.

I think a reversable mitt could be created within the rules. I'd be interested to see what kind of custom glove he's using.

There are some pretty specific rules about the stitching but otherwise I don't see why the pocket and thumb couldn't be attached with velcro and just swapped from side to side? a thumb hole on each side.

Or a thumb and pocket on both sides, with the unused flap velcroed to the bak of the glove.

Something.

[Jocephus]

i'll tell you what happened in the game...he pitched for like 3-4 innings...going back and forth...the shockers lineup is prety lefty heavy ( i think only 2-3 rh)...so...he would always declare it first...and im guessing either he saw them in the on deck circle or some coach was telling him what arm to use...but he would always "declare" it first...then the batter would get in and whatever "arrangement" started the at-bat, ended the at-bat (if that makes sense)...

it was really cool to see.

its funny to read this thread 'cause everyone in the pressbox was arguing/ trying to discuss the rules too

[Radio_Bugtussle]

Venditti pitched for the Quincy Gems of the Central Illinois Collegiate League last summer.

Throws in the high 80's to low 90's right handed. Throws mid 80's junk lefthanded. Good control with either arm.

As far as the rulebook is concerned, here are the facts. In the NCAA, he cannot change arms during the at-bat. There are no such restrictions in professional baseball.

It was not uncommon to see hitters get Pat to pick an arm and then move to the other batters box. Seems like it messed up the hitter more than it messed up Pat. He has on occasion zipped the first pitch through the batters box after a switch.

Great kid. Good head on his shoulders. He's likely to get better. That draft position might improve.