Cross-dominance

In baseball

In baseball, a left-handed batter is about two steps closer to first base than a right-handed batter, one important advantage. However, right-handed throwing is more valuable in the infield. Every fielding position can be played by a right-handed thrower, although left-handers are considered more valuable pitchers and have a slight advantage at first base as they do not have to turn around to place their foot on first when stretching to catch a throw. Another reason is because their gloved hand is closer to the runner on pickoff plays. Conversely, left-handed throwers are almost completely absent at the highest level at the other infield positions and at catcher. Switch hitting exists so a batter can hit from the side opposite every pitcher's throwing arm, but it has gained some criticism because a batter will always be more dominant from one side of the plate than the other; the switch hitter may be less reliable from one side. So, many baseball players are trained to be simply cross-dominant, batting solely left-handed and throwing solely right-handed. There are a few position players, such as Rickey Henderson and Cleon Jones, who bat right and throw left, but this serves as a substantial disadvantage. Henderson batted right despite his natural inclination to do so left-handed only because he was taught to do so by right-handed teammates.

References

References

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8. (10 February 2009). "Bats: Right Throws: Left".