Switch Pitcher vs. Switch Hitter Video - Pat Venditte
What happens when a switch pitcher goes against a switch hitter? That questioned was answered recently in a minor league games when New York Yankees switch pitching prospect Pat Venditte faced a switch hitter.
As it played out, the batter kept switching sides of the plate, which then forced Venditte to switch his glove over to the other hand. The two went back and fourth for a couple minutes before the umpires and players had a conference to settle the dispute.
The result? The switch hitter hit right handed and Venditte pitched with his right hand. So in this round, at least, the switch pitcher won. Venditte topped off his victory by striking the batter out.
Here is a Pat Venditte video of the switch pitcher versus the switch hitter:
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POSTED IN: Minor Leagues
2 opinions for Switch Pitcher vs. Switch Hitter Video - Pat Venditte
Doyle Lyke
Jun 21, 2008 at 1:47 am
Bipaws!
Martin
Jun 27, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Rule 6
6.02b does say that the batter can not leave the box when the pitcher is in the SET position or in the WINDUP. Also, technically you may not take more than one foot out of the box between pitches unless a) swing and miss b) time is granted c) throw to a base d) missed or feinted bunt d) wild pitch e) catcher leaving the catcher’s box to give defensive signals f) pitcher walking off the mound. With that logic the rule does not say that the batter can not change sides at the plate if time is called or one of the other governing factors for the batter to leave the box. Section 6 of the MLB rule. No rules concerning switching sides. Rule 6.02 pretty much puts the burden on the batter. There is no mention of the pitcher when the batter steps into the box. Lastly, the umpired should have enforced rule 6.02c where the umpire directs the batter into the box or starts calling strikes.
Now the pitcher was never in the SET position or at the start of his WINDUP. Rule 6.06b does cover the pitcher in the ready position and the batter stepping from box to the next being an automatic out for an illegal action. But the video does not show where the batter was when the pitcher was in the ready position. One would assume that the batter was in the box. Maybe PBUC needs to get their rule about this situation into the MLB rule book.
The rule is in college at least, that the pitcher must declare first. When he played Nebraska they had the rule book out so fast because they didn’t want him to be able to switch around on them. So at least in college, once pitcher declared his arm, the batter chose their side
I also think the pitcher was using an illegal glove per MLB 1.14 & diagram #4. The rule only references 4 fingers and A thumb. The glove would give the pitcher an unfair advantage in knocking down the ball.
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