The history of baseball has seen many great left-handed pitchers, from Sandy Koufax to Randy Johnson and beyond. Left-handed pitchers have a distinct advantage over their right-handed counterparts, and have the potential to be some of the best pitchers in the game. But is it really good to be a left-handed pitcher?
Advantages of Being a Left-Handed Pitcher
Left-handed pitchers have several advantages over right-handed pitchers. First, lefties tend to be able to throw harder than righties. This is because their throwing arm is closer to the plate, allowing them to generate more power and speed.
Second, left-handed pitchers have a distinct advantage when it comes to their pitch selection. Lefties can throw a variety of off-speed pitches, such as curveballs and changeups, which can be difficult for right-handed batters to hit. This can give lefties an edge over their competition.
Finally, left-handed pitchers have an advantage in terms of deception. Most batters are used to facing right-handed pitchers, so when they see a lefty on the mound it can throw them off their game, as they are not used to seeing the different release points. This can give lefties an edge over their competition.
Disadvantages of Being a Left-Handed Pitcher
Despite the advantages of being a left-handed pitcher, there are also some drawbacks. First, left-handed pitchers tend to be more prone to injuries than right-handed pitchers. This is because they put more strain on their arm when throwing, as they have to throw across their body.
Second, lefties often find themselves at a disadvantage when facing left-handed batters. Left-handed batters are used to seeing left-handed pitchers, so they know how to read their delivery and can pick up on their pitches more easily. This can make it more difficult for lefties to get left-handed batters out.
Finally, left-handed pitchers tend to have shorter careers than right-handed pitchers. This is because they put more strain on their arm when throwing, which can lead to arm injuries more quickly. This can lead to a shorter career for left-handed pitchers.
Conclusion
Overall, being a left-handed pitcher can be a great advantage. Lefties have a distinct advantage in terms of speed, pitch selection, and deception, which can give them an edge over their competition. However, there are also some drawbacks to being a lefty, such as a greater risk of injury and shorter careers. Ultimately, it is up to each individual pitcher to decide if the advantages outweigh the drawbacks, and decide for themselves if being a lefty is truly worth it.