MLB Has Not Fielded a Lefty Catcher Since 1989
Verdict Because left-handed infielders are handicapped by their dominant hand, left-handed catchers are rare on the major league level. At the time of this post (2018/SEP/27), I rate this fact as true . Facts Baseball was originally built for right-handers. In modern times there are enough left-handed batters that this is really not a concern. Left-handed infielders are incredibly rare because throwing to first base favors the right-handed in a big way. Left-handed first basemen would be unaffected. Left-handed second basemen and shortstops have a very difficult time turning the double-play. Left-handed third basemen have to backhand the shortstop hole and are seriously handicapped during bunts. Left-handed catchers have their back to the runner coming in from third base, so making the tag adds precious milliseconds to a split-second play. Benny Distefano was a lefty who played catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 18, 1989. Sources New York Times: Be