What are the benefits of batting from the left or right side? Why do coaches pinch hit? Is there a better side to be able to hit from? Here we will discuss the common misconceptions of a lefty vs. a righty batter. We will weigh the benefits and analyze the specifics of batting from both sides of the plate.
Left-Handed Hitters
There are certain privileges that left-handed batters have in regards to hitting that right handed hitters don’t have the luxury of. When a left-handed hitter swings, all of their body momentum is directed towards their running target: first base. This gives them the benefit of getting a head start on their way to first. A common misconception in baseball is that all left-handed players are faster than right-handed players. We know that this is not true, but there are certain liberties the left-handed hitters have. They also have the luxury of drag bunting. Drag bunting is a technique that is used by hitters to try and scratch out an easy hit. It is begun by showing the bat very late and starting to run towards first base as the hitter makes contact with the ball. Right handed hitters would not be able to accomplish this to the same effectiveness because they would be moving across the plate, which is where the ball is being thrown. Another benefit of being a left-handed hitter is that on a lot of fields, the right field fence is the most shallow. Left-handed hitters who pull the ball to right field can have better opportunity to hit a home run, whereas right-handed hitters have to hit it further if they pull the ball.
Right-Handed Hitters
Contrary to left-handed hitters, right-handed hitters have their momentum moving towards third base instead or first when they are hitting. Right-handed hitters hit more frequently to the left side of the field, so that is their benefit. The time they have to run to first base is longer than a typical left-handed hitter. Also, right-handed hitters are also typically right-handed fielders. It is more ideal for a team to have right-handed people in the field than left-handers. There are very few positions that a left-handed person can play. A right-handed player can play any position on the field effectively.
Switch Hitters
What exactly is a switch hitter? How can a player become a switch hitter? How do they choose which side to hit from? A switch hitter is a hitter that is proficient at hitting from both sides of the plate. Most switch hitters become proficient as a result of a lot of practice. There are definitely some natural born abilities that are involved, but most hitters have a preferred side that they would like to hit from. Switch hitters choose which side they are gonna hit from based off the pitcher most likely. If there is a right- handed pitcher, most switch hitters will hit from the right side. If there is a left-handed pitcher, most switch hitters will hit from the left side. They hit from those side of the plate during those situations because they can see the ball a lot quicker. A right-handed hitter facing a left-handed pitcher can be difficult because you have limited visibility until the ball is right on you. When a pitcher is throwing 90 miles per hour or higher this becomes very difficult to pick up the ball.
Conclusion
While there are benefits and negatives to hitting from both sides of the plate, the one thing that is always consistent is the mechanics. Swing mechanics for a swing never change whether you are hitting from the right or left side.
Nolan Ricketson's Baseball Analytics 