By Jon Weisman
Let the record show that Don Mattingly threw left in the Major Leagues. Let the picture show that Mattingly throws right.
Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers
The former eight-time All-Star often finds his way to first base during batting practice, but lately, he’s been wearing a glove on what you’d expect to be his throwing hand. (At right, Mattingly throwing lefty on April 15.)
Mattingly explained that he’s ambidextrous, but after spending his career throwing left — including three games at third base in 1986 — wear and tear has turned him around.
“With my shoulder, I can’t really throw left-handed,” he said. “I can’t really pull it way back. So I’m getting my right hand going again.”
Mattingly said that in Little League, when he played positions including catcher and shortstop, he played right-handed.
“Once I got to high school, I pretty much stayed left-handed,” he said. “That was my stronger arm — always stronger left-handed. But I always threw right naturally.”
oldbrooklynfan
I remember I use to fool around in stickball batting and throwing left handed. It was fun.
Gus Cristicini (@sap_basis)
Mr Baseball has always amazed me. Especially when he challenged the owners last year. This is a man who stands by his decisions. Go Don, get those Dodgers on top again.