Why would anyone want to become a switch pitcher?
What are the advantages of switch pitching?
Doesn't it take twice as much work to throw with both arms?
Can a switch pitcher throw twice as many innings in a game?
As a coach of a switch pitcher, I get these questions all the time.
Here are some benefits of switch pitching:
• Gives the pitcher an advantage
• Safely pitch more innings
• Get more playing time
• Improve balance, coordination and fitness
• Rest the dominant arm
• Save on calls to the bullpen
• Be your own relief pitcher
• Win more games
• It's fun
• Extend your baseball career
• Get recruited to play in college
• Get drafted*
..............................................................................
*Recent MLB draft picks, who are ambidextrous:
- Andrew Pullin (Phillies)
- Drew Vettleson (Rays; Nationals)
- Pat Venditte (Yankees; Athletics)
..............................................................................
Pros:
It's a cool talent to have and it will help market your name.
It's great to have another hand to turn to if you can play outfield.
Lefty's have better curveballs...even when they're also righties.
Cons:
It is a lot more work, if you aren't willing to put the time in don't try it.
It is more stress on the back, sometimes my back got sore after pitching lefty.
Getting a soft throw touch with the alternate hand is difficult, I would try to actively develop that if I could do it again.
Advice:
The last piece of advise I would give is that however healthy you may feel now, DO NOT SKIMP on the maintenance exercises...especially for the shoulder and back. A solid 15 minutes of dedicated shoulder/back work a day will help significantly.
Using both hands can stimulate creativity and thinking
Using your 'other' hand benefits your brain
by Kim Ranegar, The Times of Northwest Indiana
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What are the advantages of switch pitching?
Doesn't it take twice as much work to throw with both arms?
Can a switch pitcher throw twice as many innings in a game?
As a coach of a switch pitcher, I get these questions all the time.
Here are some benefits of switch pitching:
• Gives the pitcher an advantage
• Safely pitch more innings
• Get more playing time
• Improve balance, coordination and fitness
• Rest the dominant arm
• Save on calls to the bullpen
• Be your own relief pitcher
• Win more games
• It's fun
• Extend your baseball career
• Get recruited to play in college
• Get drafted*
..............................................................................
*Recent MLB draft picks, who are ambidextrous:
- Andrew Pullin (Phillies)
- Drew Vettleson (Rays; Nationals)
- Pat Venditte (Yankees; Athletics)
..............................................................................
What are the cost/benefits of ambidextrous baseball pitching at the college level?
Answer by Matt Brunnig, Former Ambidextrous Pitcher at Harvard University
It's a cool talent to have and it will help market your name.
It's great to have another hand to turn to if you can play outfield.
Lefty's have better curveballs...even when they're also righties.
Cons:
It is a lot more work, if you aren't willing to put the time in don't try it.
It is more stress on the back, sometimes my back got sore after pitching lefty.
Getting a soft throw touch with the alternate hand is difficult, I would try to actively develop that if I could do it again.
Advice:
The last piece of advise I would give is that however healthy you may feel now, DO NOT SKIMP on the maintenance exercises...especially for the shoulder and back. A solid 15 minutes of dedicated shoulder/back work a day will help significantly.
Using both hands can stimulate creativity and thinking
Using your 'other' hand benefits your brain
by Kim Ranegar, The Times of Northwest Indiana
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