My opinion. Why lefties are low ball hitters and righties high ball hitters.

Many times in baseball it's said that lefties are low ball hitters and righties are high ball hitters. There isn't any scientific research that goes into that statement. It's just empirical observation and for the most part there is some merit to the statement. Now, it isn't always true but it's certainly true enough to discuss.

Here's what I think.

The high pitch and the inside pitch are balls that you adjust to. The swing works from underneath and outside to up and in. In other words, the fastball in is a pitch that you must re-direct your bat path to hit effectively. To do this you elevate your lead elbow and pinch your scapula complex. This allows you to maintain a tight position at contact. It is without a doubt an adjustment. Most hitters would prefer not to do this. They would prefer to keep their arms slightly extended and not cramp their arms to get to the ball.

This adjustment is developed over the years by righthanded hitters as they learn to adjust to pitches. With more righty pitchers than lefty pitchers, right handed batters learn to adjust more. They have to hit the breaking ball away so they must adjust to that fastball in.

The lefthanded hitter mostly sees righthanded pitching. The lefty does not have to face the breaking ball away so much. Over the years a swing can develop that does not have to adjust that much as the flight of the ball is fairly predictable. Since balls aren't breaking away from the lefty he doesn't have to look away and adjust in. Since he isn't adjusting as much he isn't training to hit the up and in pitch.

Since the lefty doesn't train to adjust to pitches breaking away, they develop a slightly longer swing and handle the low pitch better than the high pitch.

One other observation with respect to this topic.

There are many lefty hitters that are righty throwers. Not nearly as many righty hitters that are lefty throwers. The hand dominance can certainly impact the place in which you prefer to hit the ball. The lead arm can drive the low ball without an aggressive, strong top hand. However, the high pitch must have a strong top hand to hit it well. Generally, the handedness of players can determine some of their preferences when it comes to hitting zones.

This is just my humble opinion. I have no idea if it's got any creedence whatsoever.