Comments on: The old switch-a-roo

By: Shane Bertou

Shane Bertou — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:20:27 +0000

I think the easiest way to settle this is to make a rule where the pitcher/hitter must declare at the start of the at-bat which way they’re going to pitch/hit.

You’re going to favor either offense or defense in that case, but I think it’s about the best you can do in making a fair, easy-to-understand rule. If you want to skew toward offense, the pitcher must declare – and vice versa.

By: timb

timb — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:16:45 +0000

I remember watching a dude named Greg W. Harris who pitched in the 80s and 90s in the Bigs and was ambidextrous. He had one of those weird gloves too.

I researched it and “there is no rule in the rulebook that states that he cannot change from one batter’s box to the other in the middle of an at-bat. The only rule about switching boxes is 6.06b which says that he cannot switch boxes if the pitcher is in the ready position. Otherwise, no problem.”

Also, when Harris pitched the NL told umps that although there was no rule on the books, whatever hand the ball is in when he toes the rubber is the one he must use for the entire at bat.

So the batter can switch sides during the at bat, but not after the pitcher toes the rubber. After that pitch is thrown, he can stand in the other box if he so chooses. A pitcher has to use the same hand throughout the entire at bat.

I loved watching the ump just stand the while this was all going on.

By: Shane Bertou

Shane Bertou — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:29:35 +0000

I used to toy with the idea of training Josiah to switch pitch, but he is most definitely right handed.

I do make him switch hit when we toss balls in the back yard from time to time. But he doesn’t like batting left nearly as much.

By: timothy allen brown

timothy allen brown — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:24:50 +0000

before i saw this clip (like last week, geez shane you’re late w/ the news! haha) i don’t know if i’d ever seen a switch pitching pitcher! i think i could switch hit…not well, but could at least attempt it. but pitch w/ my left hand?!?! that’s talent!

By: Shane Bertou

Shane Bertou — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:22:12 +0000

Yeah, his reaction after striking out was appropriate. He should be furious at himself for swinging at that pitch. Vanditte made him look ridiculous.

But what’s really ridiculous is that six-finger glove with two webs that Vanditte wears. How is that even legal? It looks way too big to be within regulations.

By: J May

J May — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:43:10 +0000

I love that they are playing “we are family” right in the middle of the confusion.

Why did he swing at that last pitch? So outside!