Lefty Specialist?

I think your four-year-old and I would get along great. I often stick out my tongue and make fart noises too.

 

Benny Diestafano just got a hard-on over reading this thread.

 

I was a lefty and my parents were both right handed. Some how, they managed to teach me baseball pretty well. They switched what they did and tried to make it easy for me.

 

Make him a lefty golfer. Just ask Phil, who only golfs lefty.

Most golf courses are set up to go against righties.

 

Mattingly also played some third base.

 

Also caught, didn't he?

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Benny_Distefano

 

Only 11 left-handers have played a game at third base since 1901.

The corrupt Hal Chase deserves his reputation as one of the greatest fielders in history. The left-handed Chase played 35 games at second base, three at shortstop and one at third in his 15-year career. He wasn't that great at 2B, but he handled six perfect chances and started a double play while playing one game at 3B for the Yankees in 1908.

Hall of Famer "Wee" Willie Keeler played 17 games at 3B after 1901. He also played 19 G at second base and, unlike Chase, had a better-than-league-average fielding percentage there. Not to mention 2 G at shortstop.

More recently, Mike Squires, as mentioned, played 14 games at 3B over two seasons with the White Sox (1983-84). Didn't see a lot of action: 12 chances in 14 games, but no errors.

Don Mattingly did indeed play three games at 3B in 1986. He handled 13 chances, made one error, and started two double plays, so all in all, not too shabby.

Terry Francona handled three chances at third base for the Expos in 1985.

Mario Valdez didn't make a play while making an appearance at 3B for the White Sox in 1997.

You've also got Buck Freeman (6 G, 1904-05); Milo Netzel (6 G, 1909), Hall of Famer George Sisler (2 G, 1916); Hall of Famer Jesse Burkett (1 G, 1902) and Charlie Grimm (1 G, 1918), all making appearances at third base.

 

Could really bring it once.

 

Buck, I knew you'd come through. But I didn't expect such a complete report. It's actually a fascinating topic, the sheer physics of it all.

 

I'm a lefty and played games at catcher, third and shortstop - when I was 14. Freaking loved it and didn't make a single error (though I don't think I did a very good job framing strikes behind the plate).

The key being a lefty on the left side of the infield is being able to spin clockwise and throw in one motion if a ball comes to your forehand (moving to your right). Practice that and you're golden. Balls on the backhand (towards first base) side are easy since it's a quick 90-degree counter-clockwise pivot, then throw. Tougher on the move but easier to master.

Oh, the memories.

 

Two games in 1980. The only spots he didn't play, including pitcher, were second and short.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/s/squirmi01.shtml