What happens when an ambidextrous pitcher faces off against a switch-hitting batter?
The "Venditte Rule"
With Venditte able to throw with either arm, he will have to declare whether he will pitch right-handed or left-handed at the start of each at-bat. Venditte won't be allowed to routinely change arms like he once could. A minor-league confrontation with a switch hitter led to the "Venditte Rule." - Alex Schiffer, NJ.com
Ambidextrous Venditte creates a stir
Switch-pitcher causes commotion in Minor League game
Venditte's versatility prompts new rule
Comparison of High School and Pro Baseball rules for ambidextrous pitchers
source: NFHS / Pro Baseball Rules Differences by Steve Orinick
College Baseball - NCAA 2013 Rule Book
Rule 9/Pitching p85
New Pitching Rule in 2013 for Little League Switch Pitchers
Ambidextrous Pitcher Rules - Little League
Dixie Youth Baseball
Ambidextrous Pitchers - Official Ruling 14-04 - Dixie Baseball (pdf)
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| Henry Knight, ambidextrous pitcher - Columbia City Reds |
The "Venditte Rule"
With Venditte able to throw with either arm, he will have to declare whether he will pitch right-handed or left-handed at the start of each at-bat. Venditte won't be allowed to routinely change arms like he once could. A minor-league confrontation with a switch hitter led to the "Venditte Rule." - Alex Schiffer, NJ.com
2015 Official Baseball Rule 5.07(f) (formerly 2014 OBR 8.01(f)) covers this situation:
Read more about the Venditte RuleA pitcher must indicate visually to the umpire-in-chief, the batter and any runners the hand with which he intends to pitch, which may be done by wearing his glove on the other hand while touching the pitcher's plate. The pitcher is not permitted to pitch with the other hand until the batter is retired, the batter becomes a runner, the inning ends, the batter is substituted for by a pinch-hitter or the pitcher incurs an injury. In the event a pitcher switches pitching hands during an at-bat because he has suffered an injury, the pitcher may not, for the remainder of the game, pitch with the hand from which he has switched. The pitcher shall not be given the opportunity to throw any preparatory pitches after switching pitching hands. Any change of pitching hands must be indicated clearly to the umpire-in-chief.
Ambidextrous Venditte creates a stir
Switch-pitcher causes commotion in Minor League game
Venditte's versatility prompts new rule
Comparison of High School and Pro Baseball rules for ambidextrous pitchers
| NFHS Rule | Reference | Reference | Pro Rule |
| If a pitcher is ambidextrous, the umpire shall require the pitcher to face a batter as either a left-handed pitcher or a right-handed pitcher, but not both |
6-1-1
|
8.18 PBUC Umpire Manual
| Pitcher must visually indicate which way he will pitch...pitcher must throw one pitch to the batter before any "switch" by either player is allowed...afterwards each may switch once per at bat Click here for story behind rule |
source: NFHS / Pro Baseball Rules Differences by Steve Orinick
NFHS Baseball Rule and Case Book 2012 (situations)
College Baseball - NCAA 2013 Rule Book
Rule 9/Pitching p85
k. Pitch both right-handed and left-handed to the same batter during a plate appearance (ambidextrous-pitcher rule).
PENALTY—If a pitcher changes pitching hands during a batter’s time at bat, the umpire shall:
(1) Call a balk if a runner(s) is on base;
(2) Call a ball for an illegal pitch if no runner(s) is on base;
(3) Warn the pitcher; or
(4) Eject the pitcher if the offense is repeated.
A.R. 1—When facing a switch hitter, an ambidextrous pitcher shall declare the hand with which to pitch to the hitter.
A.R. 2—If a pinch hitter replaces a batter during a turn at bat, the pitcher may change pitching hands.
New Pitching Rule in 2013 for Little League Switch Pitchers
Ambidextrous Pitcher Rules - Little League
Dixie Youth Baseball
Ambidextrous Pitchers - Official Ruling 14-04 - Dixie Baseball (pdf)
..
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