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| Switch Pitcher Henry Knight, 12:1 strike-to-walk ratio |
Ambidextrous Pitchers - Class of 2015
The Class of 2015 has only a handful of switch pitchers, but they are very talented – with the skills to play multiple positions. One ambidextrous fielder has played every position for the varsity team.Most of these pitchers are naturally left-handed, but wanted to field other positions when they were young, so they started throwing right-handed. Plus, most ambidextrous players are solid hitters, which is becoming a trademark of this unique group.
Four switch pitchers have signed to play in college.
One ambidextrous pitcher caught the attention of coaches around the country, but he decided to study computer science at a college without a baseball team.
Another multi-sport athlete was called to serve on a mission in Cambodia.
This list highlights the top ambidextrous high school baseball players from the class of 2015. Sorted by last name.
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Cole Critchfield (2015) - Star Valley High School, Afton, Wyoming
Cole Critchfield is a 6'2" athlete who plays basketball and baseball. In the summer, he plays P, 1B, and OF for the Jackson Giants of the American Legion. As a natural lefty, he hits left-handed and his primary position is first base. Velocity is 81-85 mph left-handed.
Critchfield was called to serve in the Cambodia Phnom Penh mission.
Critchfield was called to serve in the Cambodia Phnom Penh mission.
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Tyler Hopman (2015) - Old Bridge, New Jersey
Tyler Hopman is a 6'5" switch pitcher who plays for Old Bridge High School Knights in New Jersey. In an interview, he said that he feels a lot stronger throwing lefty. Velocity is 82 mph left-handed.
When not pitching, Hopman plays center field right-handed. He bats exclusively from the left side.
College: Kean University, NJWhen not pitching, Hopman plays center field right-handed. He bats exclusively from the left side.
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Kurt Johnson (2015) - Royal High School, Simi Valley, California
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| Kurt Johnson |
Kurt Johnson is a 6'1" ambidextrous thrower who plays 1B and Pitcher. Johnson is listed as a BHP on Perfect Game, with an 80 mph fastball (2013). Threw a no-hitter as a freshman pitching five innings left-handed and the last two right-handed.
College: Sacramento State as a LHP.
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Henry Knight (2015) - Franklin High School, Seattle, Washington
Henry Knight is a switch hitter and ambidextrous pitcher who played every position in high school. At 5'8", Knight is a quick infielder with an excellent glove – no errors in two years - who was a starter on varsity for four year.
Knight also serves as a relief pitcher and closer – recording the best strikeout-to-walk ratio (12:1) in the Seattle Metro league. As a student of the game, he combines a mental approach to pitching with Perry Husband's theory of Effective Velocity to throw off the hitter's approach and timing.
As a switch hitter, he posted a 10-game hitting streak with a .640 OBP. In the past 4 years, he hit over .500 in summer ball – swinging a wood bat.
Knight also serves as a relief pitcher and closer – recording the best strikeout-to-walk ratio (12:1) in the Seattle Metro league. As a student of the game, he combines a mental approach to pitching with Perry Husband's theory of Effective Velocity to throw off the hitter's approach and timing.
As a switch hitter, he posted a 10-game hitting streak with a .640 OBP. In the past 4 years, he hit over .500 in summer ball – swinging a wood bat.
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Henry Knight warming up to switch pitch in a summer game
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During the summer, Knight played shortstop, second base, catcher and pitcher for the Columbia City Reds in Seattle. He posted a 0.875 ERA as a closer - helping the Reds team to a 3rd place finish in the Mickey Mantle state tournament.
Knight threw 94 strikes over 11 innings in a summer game as the starting switch pitcher. He held the hard-hitting Seattle Select team scoreless over the final nine innings in 90 degree heat.
College: Western Washington University, Computer Science
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Brett Kolacki (2015) - Bremen High School, Midlothian, Illinois
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| Brett Kolacki |
College: Concordia University in Wisconsin
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Zack Santora (2015) - Suffield Academy, Shrewsbury, MA
Santora is 6'2" right-handed pitcher, who has the ability to throw left-handed. Santora taught himself to throw left-handed after he broke his pitching hand. He uses a custom Mizuno ambidextrous glove for switch pitching.
College: Florida Tech
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High School Switch Pitchers >>
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