Left Handed Catcher

Question
My daughter(12Years old) is left handed and a good athlete. Her coach will not let her try to catch as she is a lefty.Her excuse is that she will hit the righty batters when throwing to second. What is your opinion?

Answer
Hello Tim,

I don't agree with his reasoning.  The way our sport is gravitating to slap and drag hitters, there isn't a huge ratio of Right handed verses Left handed hitters at the collegiate and world levels of competition.  Although you don't see many left-handed catchers, there are a few at the collegiate level.  The pick off attempt at first would be easier.  The throwing arm would be away from the baseline on bunt coverage, and it would be only a slightly harder throw to third.  Although it isn't a common practice, if she is a gifted athlete, I'd have no problem putting a catchers mitt on her and giving it a try.
Let me know how things work out.

Coach Mike