Stealing 2nd vs. a lefty

Standard thought is that when a lefty pitches, the running game comes to a screaching halt. It can be too difficult to read the move and therefore not worth the risk to run.

I believe at the high school level it is much easier to steal 2nd base off of a lefty than a righty.

The first reason that it is easier is the fact that leftys usually take more time to deliver the ball to homeplate. They have been trained over years of pitching to lift their leg and deceive the runner at 1st base by creating doubt as to where they are throwing. If the runner takes off an a "first move" or what we call "first lift" then I naturally have a good head start before the pitcher throws to either possible destinations.

If the pitcher throws home the catcher better have a howitzer to even contemplate throwing the runner out.

If the pitcher throws to 1st we are taking advantage of a undertaught concept that must be practiced to have a legitimate chance to throw us out at 2B. The 1B must gain ground towards the pitcher before he receives the ball. If he does not do this he is making a longer throw than necessary and that distance is usually the reason the runner will be safe despite the pitcher "picking him off" at 1st base.

I should also point out that with lefty on the mound our base runners lead off the bag on the inside part so they put even more pressure on the 1B to make an accurate throw.

So, when I hear a lefty is throwing I think "let the race begin."