THE CASE for the LEFT HAND CATCHER in SOFTBALL.
In 2008 I read an article by Dave Weaver “showcasing” the left hand catcher at all levels of softball; especially college.
It caught my eye because the LH catcher in baseball is at a disadvantage due to the throw to third base on the stealing runner. Much like the charging 3rd baseman on the slow roller or bunt, a lefty would be at a huge disadvantage since the throw can not be made across the body. The necessary adjustment takes too long.
This is NOT the case in softball chiefly because the runner can not take a lead off 2nd base; can not leave any base until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.
Consequently, stealing 3rd base is nearly impossible (at competitive levels of the game), assuming the pitch is caught.
BUT the softball lefty has several advantages over the RH catcher.
Because of the ease of most throws and the element of surprise/ deception, a LH catcher is preferable!
Dave went on to say that “enlightened college coaches” are looking for/ recruiting good LH catchers because of these advantages!
In 2008 I read an article by Dave Weaver “showcasing” the left hand catcher at all levels of softball; especially college.
It caught my eye because the LH catcher in baseball is at a disadvantage due to the throw to third base on the stealing runner. Much like the charging 3rd baseman on the slow roller or bunt, a lefty would be at a huge disadvantage since the throw can not be made across the body. The necessary adjustment takes too long.
This is NOT the case in softball chiefly because the runner can not take a lead off 2nd base; can not leave any base until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.
Consequently, stealing 3rd base is nearly impossible (at competitive levels of the game), assuming the pitch is caught.
BUT the softball lefty has several advantages over the RH catcher.
- There are more throws to 1st base than 3rd base; on bunts and pickoffs.
- The rare throw to 3rd base can be easily made, by dropping the jab step back and relying on a “snap throw”
- The throw to 3rd base on the 1st & 3rd steal can resemble the LH pitcher’s pickoff move in baseball, where the catcher looks committed to throwing to 2nd, except for the snap throw to 3rd.
- Since most batters are right handed, the LH catcher can present/ “frame” the outside pitch better.
Because of the ease of most throws and the element of surprise/ deception, a LH catcher is preferable!
Dave went on to say that “enlightened college coaches” are looking for/ recruiting good LH catchers because of these advantages!