Way back in 2008 ... Venditte's versatility prompts new rule By Benjamin Hill / Special to MLB.com It is a rare instance, indeed, when a first-year professional ballplayer inspires the creation of a new rule. But ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte has done just that. Venditte, the 20th-round pick of the New York Yankees in this June's Draft, received national attention after making his debut with the Staten Island Yankees June 19. With two outs and a runner on first in the bottom of the ninth inning, switch-hitter Ralph Henriquez came to the plate representing the Brooklyn Cyclones' last hope. What resulted was a moment of high comedy: Henriquez entered the batters box batting right-handed, so Venditte switched his glove to his left hand. Henriquez then decided to bat lefty, so Venditte switched his glove back to his right. And on and on it went. After a prolonged delay, Henriquez was ordered to bat right-handed. He then struck out on four pitches to ...
Learn about ambidextrous pitchers – from Little League to the MLB.