Leading off today: Let's have a hand for Alexander Hamilton freshman pitcher Tyler Field. Two hands actually, since
he's ambidextrous.
Field had a rough outing Monday against Irvington, having to throw 83 pitches in 2 2/3 innings, surrendering 11 hits and twice plucking batters with the bases loaded, but he figures to be fun to watch over the next few years.
He struck out two batters while throwing right-handed and two more as a southpaw.
A natural righty, he learned to throw left-handed in backyard while playing Whiffle Ball with his brothers.
He worked excursively from the right side as a seventh-grader in modified games, then became confident enough in his southpaw abilities last spring to begin switching during games.
"It's more fun to pitch left," Field said. "It catches a lot of hitters by surprise. The look on their face is priceless.
"A lot of times a guy says, 'New pitcher.' Then another says, 'No, it's not.'"
It's all downhill from here: Right-hander Josh Bystrak isn't going to produce a better pitching line than what he put up Monday.
The Sweet Home senior threw a perfect game in a 1-0 victory over Maryvale. He fanned 10 batters and threw 92 pitches.
