Why is lefty vs left in baseball considered tough for the hitter......

[Itsamazing777]

But not righty vs righty.

Anyone?

[DOM_Toretto]

Batters typically do better vs the opposite-handed pitcher. IE: righty batters like lefty pitchers, and lefty batters like righty pitchers.

When a left-handed pitcher throws to a left-handed batter, the ball almost comes from behind the batter making it tougher to locate and hit.

Much easier to follow the pitching motion across their body and directly coming towards you the whole time.

[DOM_Toretto]

Right-right is still a less than ideal hitting matchup, but it is much more common so they have plenty of experience with it. Left-left is more rare so it's typically considered the toughest batting matchup.

[Itsamazing777]

I guess I knew that. I felt dumb now. Thanks lol

[rm18]

It is more because you have to be a great hitter to be a righty, but you can get away with not being great if you are a lefty because you face righties and also a shorter run to first base.

[Ralphie Halves]

Right-right is still a less than ideal hitting matchup, but it is much more common so they have plenty of experience with it. Left-left is more rare so it's typically considered the toughest batting matchup.

Yeah, but you would think over time, especially for a major leaguer, that it wouldn't be that rare anymore. Yet some left-handed hitters still struggle terribly against lefties.

I've wondered this too. The ball is coming from right about the same angle regardless.

And I guess I've never paid attention to this, but do they ever have lefties throwing BP? Couldn't hurt.

[Louisvillekid1]

It's less time for a lefty to pick up the ball, meaning even less time to pick up the pitch