Switch Pitching 101

Henry Knight  throws 6 pitches for strikes from both sides Switch Pitchers - Class of 2016 Over the past decade, there have been a few players who pitched with both arms in high school baseball games. Switch pitchers are extremely rare, since it takes coordination, dedication and a lot of practice.  Most of these ambidextrous pitchers were inspired by major league switch pitcher Pat Venditte who now plays for Toronto. Check out the list of ambidextrous high school baseball players from the class of 2016. Two switch pitchers have already signed to play for Division 1 baseball teams. Committed: Carter Kieboom , Walton HS, Marietta, Georgia Kieboom is a tall thin infielder who has the ability to pitch with both arms and bats right-handed. He throws 86 mph RHP, and 80 mph LHP. His older brothers played college baseball, and one was drafted as a catcher by the Nationals.  2016 MLB Draft: #28 pick in the first round by the Washington Nation...

Profiles of the top ambidextrous pitchers  Class of 2015 Henry Knight  (2015) - Seattle, WA Positions:  LHP/RHP, IF Bats:  Both,  Throws:  Both Pitches:  4-seam fastball, 2-seam fastball, changeup, curveball, cutter, splitter Henry Knight, ambidextrous pitcher, Seattle As a junior at Franklin High School in Seattle, Henry Knight is a starting infielder and switch pitcher. He served as a closer – right-handed – recording a  0.00 ERA  with no walks.  During the season, Knight picked up  a save for the team  and threw a complete 7-inning game – throwing left- and right-handed . By spotting pitches and changing speeds, he chalked up a  12:1 K/BB ratio . In the summer, he posted a 0.875 ERA as a relief pitcher and closer for the top-ranked Columbia City Reds team. In 2013, Knight  switch pitched 11 innings  in one summer game, averaging 11 pitches per inning, and tallied...

High School Baseball - Pitching Rule 6-1-1 Ambidextrous pitcher Henry Knight, Seattle RULE 6 Pitching Section 1, ART. 1 ... If a pitcher is ambidextrous, the umpire shall require the pitcher to face a batter as either a left-handed pitcher or right-handed pitcher, but not both. Pitching Limitations:  Inning Limit per Week ART. 6 ... Each state association shall have a pitching restriction policy to afford pitchers a reasonable rest period between pitching appearances. Per FHSAA Rule 2002.01(5) Pitching Restrictions: A pitcher must not pitch more than 14 innings in a week (Monday-Saturday) and may never pitch more than 10 innings on two consecutive days. A pitcher may pitch a maximum of 10 innings in any one day. Summary    - A pitcher may pitch a maximum of  10 innings in one day    - A pitcher must not pitch more than 14 innings in a week Pitching Restrictions Can an ambidextrous pitcher throw twice as...

Class of 2013 Aubrey McCarty  (2013) - Coquitt County High School, Doerun, GA Aubrey McCarty is a switch hitter and both hand pitcher who can throw up to 89 mph right-handed (Perfect Game). Throws a fastball, curveball and changeup. At  6'3",  McCarty also plays the corner infield right-handed.  In early May, McCarty's pitching record was 9-1, with a 2.74 ERA. He had 47 strikeouts and 37 walks in 53.2 innings pitched ( Moultrie Observer ).  College Commitment:   Vanderbilt 2013 MLB Draft: SF Giants Aubrey McCarty BHP - Perfect Game Profile Aubrey McCarty - player bio and video ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Marcus Garcia  (2013) - Roseville High School, Roseville, CA As a junior, switch pitcher Marcus Garcia pitched in 11 games – racking up 28 strikeouts in 30.2 innings for the  Roseville Tigers . Read more about...

Read some interesting stories about ambidextrous high school baseball players from the Class of 2014. Zack Santora  (2014) - St. Johns High School, MA Zack Santora taught himself to throw left-handed, in 2013, after he broke his pitching hand. He uses a custom Mizuno ambidextrous glove for switch pitching. Read more about Z ack Santora ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Gage Shell  (2014) -  Eastern Greene Thunderbirds , Bloomfield, Indiana Sophomore  Gage Shell  spelled T-Bird starter Zak Eckerle with six-plus innings of relief work. What makes the sophomore hurler so unique is his ability to throw with either hand -- likely making him the first ambidextrous pitcher in Eastern Greene baseball or at least in McConnell's tenure as head coach. "Gage did a great job tonight," McConnell said. "He pitched with both hands at times tonight. He gave us innings and helped save our bul...