The Oakland A's introduced a player on Thursday who may be a first in major league history: A switch pitcher.
From the San Jose Mercury News, "Ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte threw the third inning, faced three hitters and retired them all. He's another long shot to make the A's roster, but he has retired all five batters he has faced, three while throwing left-handed and two right-handed.
A's manager Bob Melvin said he didn't know how Venditte 'could pitch much better.' 'He flips back and forth, and he locates the baseball well,' the manager said.
Venditte also creates some confusion. Umpire Brian Gorman and Cubs manager Joe Madden conferred about the rules regarding switch pitchers as Venditte warmed up, and batter Dexter Fowler, a switch hitter, went up to the plate thinking he'd bat left-handed. Fowler then had to go and switch batting helmets when Venditte indicated that he was going to throw from the left side, forcing Fowler to bat right-handed."
Here is a story about it:
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/article11922323.html
Ironically, I just saw a story on Mike and Mike last week about some college pitcher. The first batter he to threw right handed, second guy left, then went back to right handed. Anyway, apparently he struck out the side in one inning of the game.
I can't find any more info on this but it must have been this guy when he was in college.
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
