Are there any catchers who throw left-handed?

Question

I have never seen a catcher with a right-hand glove and throws with his left hand. Is this against the rules or something?

Answer 1

Quoting from the Encyclopedia of Baseball Catchers:

"Being left-handed in baseball, except in rare cases, means exclusion from the position of catcher. This is due in large part to the game's counterclockwise flow. There have only been 33 left-handed throwing players who caught in at least 1 defensive inning. If you exclude the ten men who only caught in a single game, then you're talking about just 23 players. If you count only those guys who caught a 100 or more games in a career, you're down to exactly five left-handed throwing catchers. However, if you're only counting career catchers (minimum of 1,000 games caught), then you have exactly one and that is Jack Clements."

More info on the subject can be found at the website.

Answer 2

The lack of left-handed catchers is more of a traditional thing than reality say most scouts. There are obstruction issues on some of the throws a catcher has to make, but there are some advantages to being left handed as well. One advantage is a left-handed catcher's ability to frame a right-handed pitcher's breaking balls. A right-handed catcher catches a right-hander's breaking ball across his body, with his glove moving out of the strike zone. A left-handed catcher would be able to catch the pitch moving into the strike zone and create a better target for the umpire.

Answer 3

Not currently in the majors. There have been a few, but the last regular catcher to throw left-handed was over 100 years ago. It comes down to the pitcher being comfortable with his target; all pitchers are used throwing to right-handed catchers, and no manager would want to risk throwing off a pitcher's rhythm by changing that.

Answer 4

Well, it'd be harder to throw to first(if they're leading to far off), well atleast I think I tried to visualize it in my head but I'm a righty so yeah. You might also hit the batter(since most are righties) if you try to throw to second. But on a plus note, some mlb catchers are left handed. Also you will need to special buy your own chestplate and glove, since team equip. is usually for righties.

Answer 5

Most batters are right handed so its easier for the catcher to right handed so he can make a throw to second base with no obstructions. He can also try and pick off a runner at first base.

Answer 6

There are none playing in the pros but there are some in the minor leagues. Plus Raul Ibanez (left field for the Seattle Mariners who is left handed) is a converted catcher in playing in the outfield.

Answer 7

It's not against the rules, its just very unlikely. You almost only see lefties playing the outfield or first base, I can't tell you why it's just the way it is. One thing i can tell you why lefties play first base is they are capable of playing third but they would always have to throw from a weird angle, at first base it is much easier to turn a double play hit to the first basemen who is lefty then is righty because they dont have to make the wasted movement of spinning.

Answer 8

... The code of rules is written to govern the playing of baseball games by professional teams of Major League Baseball and the leagues that are members of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

We recognize that many amateur and non-professional organizations play their games under professional rules, and we are happy to make our rules available as widely as possible. It is well to remember that specifications as to fields, equipment, etc., may be modified to meet the needs of each group.

Left handedness should always, however be frowned against.

Answer 9

NO its not againsed the rules but im sure there are catchers that throw left handed

Answer 10

no it's not. If it was, then there wouldn't be such things as lefty-pitchers. It's just rare to see one or there isn't anyone that's a lefty-catcher so far.