Monday, December 20, 2004
MAIL STREETS
I always have a good laugh or two when reading Jim Street's mailbag at the Mariners official site.
Mariners mailbag: Can a DH pitch?
I was wondering if the rules in the American League allow a designated hitter to pitch. Hypothetical: You have a guy that bats DH for you all game and you come to the ninth with a lead, could that DH pitch in the closer's role if he wanted? Also, has there ever been an ambidextrous pitcher in the Majors? I think that would be the coolest thing ever: having a DH that could close and a pitcher that could negate a switch-hitter. -- Drew M., Kirkland, Wash.
There is nothing in the rules that would prevent a designated hitter from appearing in a game as a pitcher. He would be listed as a DH-P in the box score. As far as we can tell, there never has been an ambidextrous pitcher to reach the Major Leagues, but wouldn't it be something if one does some day and he's a switch-hitter?
"Your wisdom is surpassed only by your ignorance."
Mariners mailbag: Can a DH pitch?
I was wondering if the rules in the American League allow a designated hitter to pitch. Hypothetical: You have a guy that bats DH for you all game and you come to the ninth with a lead, could that DH pitch in the closer's role if he wanted? Also, has there ever been an ambidextrous pitcher in the Majors? I think that would be the coolest thing ever: having a DH that could close and a pitcher that could negate a switch-hitter. -- Drew M., Kirkland, Wash.
There is nothing in the rules that would prevent a designated hitter from appearing in a game as a pitcher. He would be listed as a DH-P in the box score. As far as we can tell, there never has been an ambidextrous pitcher to reach the Major Leagues, but wouldn't it be something if one does some day and he's a switch-hitter?
"Your wisdom is surpassed only by your ignorance."
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