Date: Mon, 22 Jan 1996 22:10:14 EST From: Larry Horn Subject: Re: why no right field? In addition to Ron's observations about the left field fence being further back in sandlot ball (as opposed, e.g. to at Fenway Park) because of the prevalence of right handed pull hitters, it's worth commenting in connection with Kathleen's observation, >1. From my softball days, I seem to recall that >in order to hit to left field, you had to swing late. >This could be done deliberately, if you knew you >could catch someone off-guard, say, or it could be >done out of lack of ability/confidence, etc. that this point only holds if the batter is left-handed. A right-handed hitter (i.e. the default value--not the NORMAL value, just the statistical default, Ron; I hasten to add that one of my best spouses is a leftie) would hit a ball to RIGHT on a late swing, which is why outfielders shift to right for a fastball pitcher and/or a weak hitter, or when the batter has two strikes and is presumed to be "protecting the plate". I suspect Ron's derivation of 'out of left field' from 'out in left field', as the deepest part of the park, is on the mark. Larry