Anyone who doesn't understand why left-handed mechanics would be different doesn't understand baseball. Baseball is NOT a symmetric game because you run the bases in one direction. A left-handed pitcher has a longer motion because he is facing first base, the most frequent base to have a runner. Because the pitcher is looking at the runner, he doesn't get quite as good a jump on stealing second base; hence, lefties are taught to have a slightly longer (and thus more powerful) throwing motion. A right-handed pitcher is taught to be more compact - a shorter stride toward home, a more compact arc - or else he gets stolen on too often.

Same goes for hitting. Left-handed hitters have a longer swing because their momentum in finishing the swing carries them toward first base. A right-handed batter is taught from childhood to have a more compact swing in order to be able to get out of the box and run to first more quickly.

Rich - Very astute. I have been a baseball fan all my life but there have always been a few things that I just don't understand (like the Phillie Phanatic). I always wondered why left-handed hitters are usually better at hitting low inside pitches. A longer, more looping swing makes sense. Thanks.