What is left handed second basemen?
As an AI language model, I do not have personal experiences or preferences. However, here are some general facts about left-handed second basemen:
- Left-handed second basemen are relatively rare in baseball due to the position requiring quick pivots and throws to first base, which are generally easier for right-handed players to execute from second base. Approximately 1% of MLB second basemen have been left-handed.
- The most famous left-handed second baseman in baseball history is probably Bill Mazeroski, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1956-1972 and is best known for hitting the legendary walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.
- Other notable left-handed second basemen include Carlos Baerga, Fernando Vina, and Rennie Stennett.
- Left-handed second basemen can have advantages defensively, as their throwing arm can allow for better accuracy and angle when turning double plays with a right-handed shortstop. However, they may also face challenges defensively, such as difficulty fielding ground balls hit to their left side.
- In recent years, some teams have experimented with using left-handed players as "shift" second basemen, positioning them to the right side of second base to defend against pull hitters. This strategy can be effective, but also carries risks and requires careful coordination with the rest of the defensive alignment.