Tetsuya Iida, who was active in Yakult, is currently a part-time coach at Takushoku University Koryo High School.
Recently, the number of parents and instructors who change right-handed children to “left-handed” at an early age is increasing. This is because the left at bat is closer to first base, and it is thought that there is a high probability that the grounder will hit infield. In addition, I hear the voices of parents who are worried about whether to let their children play softball or hardball in junior high school. We asked Mr. Tetsuya Iida, a former Yakult baseball commentator who has actually stood in that situation and is currently a part-time coach at his alma mater, Takushoku University Koryo High School.
Looking at the top 10 batting averages in both the SE and PA leagues last year, they were relatively competitive with 6 left-handed batters and 4 right-handed batters, but in 2020 they all had 7 left-handed batters and 3 right-handed batters. Moreover, left-handed batters occupied the 1st to 6th places.
Mr. Iida himself spent his life in baseball by right-handed and right-handed, but he said, “There is no doubt that left-handed is more advantageous.” “In my personal sense, left-handed hits are two steps to first base, about 2 meters. If the foot speed is the same, left-handed hits are 5 to 10 more hits a year, and the batting average is more than 2 minutes higher. I will do it. “
In the second year of joining the team, he tried to hit the left side, but he grinned, “It didn’t work and I gave up soon.” “Apart from the right-handed batter, the one who is struggling to hit, especially the fast-footed one, is well worth the challenge of left-handed,” Iida said.
