Dave Hoffman, 11-year-old switch pitcher 1958

Hitters Never Can Tell which Way It's coming

The Racine Journal-Times Sunday Bulletin (Racine, Wisconsin) 1 Jun 1958
By Carm Papara

Husky Dave Hoffman, a sixth grade scholar at the Stephen Bull school, is a disciple of the theory that in pitching a baseball, two arms are better than one.

This means that when the 11-year-old lad, a member of the Red Sox team in YMCA Little Leagues, has trouble getting batters out with his southpaw delivery, he can quickly switch his mitt and pitch with his right hand.

The ambidextrous youngster, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hoffman, is basically a lefty, but with encouragement from his father, the boy learned how to throw right-handed as well two years ago. (when he was 9-years-old)

Dave, who chats baseball at home almost constantly, mixes curves and fastballs and is hopeful of a good season, his first in Little Leagues. Prior to this year, he played neighborhood ball, starting when he was about 4 years old.

Ability to pitch with either hand should prove a big assest. Dave, facing a left-handed batter, can come in with some left-handed slants. Against a right-hander, of course, Dave switches his mitt and pegs with his right hand.

Tricky Situation

Someday, an intriguing situation might present itself.

What if Dave has to pitch against a switch batter - a fellow who can swing from either side of the plate?

Could be the two boys might stare each other down into a stalemate, each waiting for the other to make a move.

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