Switch-pitcher vs. switch-hitter

If you ever wondered what would happen if a switch-hitter faced off against a switch-pitcher, check out this video. I guess they showed a short clip on BBTN but this link has the whole video. It's quite hilarious.

On that site they're also debating if a hitter can switch sides of the plate once he steps in the batter's box. I'm not sure of that rule myself.

almost 4 years ago Buckeye Brad 16 comments 0 recs |

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Told you we should have drafted this guy.

by Voltaire on Jun 20, 2008 7:38 PM EDT reply actions

That pitcher really comes off as an arrogant sob when he walks off the mound toward the ump and acts like its his god given right to be able to siwtch hands, but the batter is just some worthless POS for being able to do the same.

Waaaaaaahhh

The 2008 Cleveland Indians: Home of the Triple Steal, Unassisted Triple Play, and not a heck of a lot more.

by westbrook on Jun 20, 2008 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

Feeling a bit judgemental, are we?

And I’d say, yes, it’s his right too.

by Voltaire on Jun 20, 2008 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

After watching the video, may I politely ask what the hell are you talking about? He came off the mound to stop the endless dancing. He experienced this many times in college, by the way. The rule is that the pitcher must declare first.

by Voltaire on Jun 20, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions

He certainly did come off the mound to stop the endless dancing. But I highly doubt that is what he was saying to the ump.

The 2008 Cleveland Indians: Home of the Triple Steal, Unassisted Triple Play, and not a heck of a lot more.

by westbrook on Jun 20, 2008 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions

You seem to have something against this guy. Care you explain?

He goes through this many, many times each time he plays. In high school, college, and various tournaments at each level, this issue has repeated itself many times over. It’s routine for him to put up with this routine, and he is certainly an expert on the rules at this point – he declares first, then the batter.

by Voltaire on Jun 20, 2008 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Just going off of what I saw in the video. It’s just my opinion.

You say he declares first, then the batter. But can he declare then watch the batter declare, then flip flop on the hitter?

The 2008 Cleveland Indians: Home of the Triple Steal, Unassisted Triple Play, and not a heck of a lot more.

by westbrook on Jun 20, 2008 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions

And I do think I watched a vid on this guy when he was in college. Had no opinion of him at that point.

The 2008 Cleveland Indians: Home of the Triple Steal, Unassisted Triple Play, and not a heck of a lot more.

by westbrook on Jun 20, 2008 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I would strongly encourage you not to form an opinion of the character of Pat Venditte from three seconds of video of him walking off a mound with his back to the camera. I’ve no reason to believe he’s an especially nasty or pleasant human being, and I see nothing wrong with anything he’s done in his baseball career.

by Voltaire on Jun 20, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions

See below.

by Voltaire on Jun 20, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions

As an impartial observer here, it seems as if you’re the one taking this a bit personally.

by supermarioelia on Jun 21, 2008 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Not an answer.

by Voltaire on Jun 22, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions

After reading the most recent article, it makes reference to no specific MLB rule about this situation. I researched Venditte quite a bit last year around draft time, and I recall reading that a rule exists stating the pitcher declares first. This may have been an NCAA rule.

by Voltaire on Jun 20, 2008 10:24 PM EDT reply actions

Rule 6

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.

by BigDogSpeed on Jun 27, 2008 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

The only way a hitter knows which hand this guy is pitching with is where he puts his fielding glove. And there’s no rule stating he has to wear a glove. The pitcher could fasten his glove to his belt for switch hitters and force the hitter to declare first.

by elsandito on Jun 20, 2008 11:16 PM EDT reply actions

Pat Venditte isn’t very good. Creighton fans would tell you this, and certainly us Husker fans who have pounded him would tell you this. He’s largely below average. Amazing what he can do yes…is he good? Not really. Maybe in time.

by mjschaefer on Jun 21, 2008 3:31 AM EDT reply actions