Switch Pitching 101

Esau "Chacho" Madrigal Chacho Madrigal pitching left-handed Photo: Joselito Villero Born: November 8, 1991 Hometown: Calexico, CA High School:  Calexico High School (2009) College:   Cal State East Bay  2014;  Imperial Valley College (2010-2012) Height: 6-2 Weight: 195 Positions: P, 1B, OF Throws: Both Bats:  Velocity: 86 mph left-handed Pitches: fastball, changeup, curve Chacho Madrigal is an ambidextrous pitcher and utility player - who plays first base and outfield in college. He is majoring in History with the goal of becoming a history teacher.  “My main goal is to one day come back to the Valley, coach and open up doors for kids playing baseball,” he said, “the same way my coaches have helped me and help them with their education.” Stats Imperial Valley College  As a sophomore he posted a 3-2 record and 4.02 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 53.2 innings. As a freshman,  Madrigal was named to the All-Pacific...

Switch pitcher Henry Knight throwing a bullpen left-handed using 6 pitch grips. Fastball, 2-seamer, changeup, splitter, cutter, and curveball. The glove signals make it easy for the viewer to know what pitch will be thrown. Watch pitches in slow motion to see the movement of the ball. Getting Results: Henry Knight started out his junior season with a 10-pitch inning to close out a win – throwing 80% strikes left-handed. In a varsity game, he had two 5-pitch innings – one lefty and one righty. Learn about switch pitcher Henry Knight >> Location: K Center, Seattle, WA .

Baseball Glove Options for Switch Pitchers Looking for a glove for a switch pitcher? Read about glove options for ambidextrous pitchers, based on age. Many switch pitchers use two separate gloves - 11.5"-12" size - until they are in high school. Ambidextrous baseball gloves  >> Do you want a custom six-finger glove like Pat Venditte? How to Order a Mizuno Ambidextrous Baseball Glove Learn how to order a custom-made Mizuno Ambidextrous Glove . Mizuno GMP1A Ambidextrous Glove $450+ Do you want an inexpensive ready-to-order six-finger glove? How to Order an Akadema Ambidextrous Baseball Glove A quality ambidextrous glove is available from Akadema ( ABX-00: Ambidextrous, 12" model  $120). My son uses the 12" model - the only option available. This is a stock leather glove, but you will not find these in any stores. Order online from Akadema or Amazon . They only produce about 100 ambi glove a year (made in Chi...

Are you getting ready for a baseball tryout? Here are some tips from select team coaches on making a good first impression. Preparation - dress like a baseball player (baseball pants, jersey, cap, cleats) - wear a shirt with your last name on the back - show up 30 minutes early - have a plan Attitude  Coaches are looking for skilled players, with a positive attitude - who are coachable - introduce yourself to the coaches, and shake hands - pay attention and look the coach in the eye - have a positive attitude - hustle everywhere - all the time Bonus Points - be a leader - support your teammates - play with lots of energy Make a Lasting Impression - focus on one pitch at a time - play hard and make the routine plays - help the coaches carry equipment - volunteer to play any position - show your passion for the game Communication - listen carefully - look the coach in the eye when they are speaking - ask questions - coaches love to teach - an...

Historical news articles about switch pitcher Pat Venditte. Pat Venditte Born: June 30, 1985 (age 28), Omaha, NE Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg) Education: Omaha Central High School, Creighton University Position:  Switch Pitcher Pat Venditte's pitching repertoire in college: LHP:  78-81 mph; fastball, slider    using a sidearm delivery RHP: 88-91 mph; fastball, changeup, curveball    using a 3/4 delivery (velocity in 2007) Venditte's strength is location, not power. Pat Venditte was a walk-on pitcher for Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.  He had a 5-4 win-loss record during his high school senior year, earning him All-Nebraska second team honors. Ambidextrous Glove: Venditte used a Mizuno custom-made ambidextrous glove – ordered from Osaka Japan by his father –  with six fingers and two thumbs slots ($700). At Creighton University he started using a Louisville custom-made ambi glove (see photo) in his so...