Yankees prospect Anthony Seigler talks switch-hitting, switch-pitching, and hearing from Aaron Boone on draft day
In a special Tuesday edition of The Bronx Pinstripes Show, Yankees first round draft pick and prospect Anthony Seigler joined The Bronx Pinstripes Show for a conversation with co-hosts Scott Reinen and Andrew Rotondi.
How did Seigler become an ambidextrous player?
The Yankees selected Seigler with the 23rd overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, and since he has appeared in 24 games for Yankees minor league clubs. However, while the 19-year-old catcher may seem like a normal prospect on paper, he is much more unique than that. That is because not only is he a switch hitter, but he can throw both lefty and righty.
The ultra-rare talent is something that has separated Seigler from the pack. When asked how he learned this unteachable skill, Seigler said it just came naturally to him.
"I don't remember how it happened, I've just been doing it my whole life so I just thought I was born like that. My dad said when I was little, we used to have little wiffle balls in the house and if one was over to my left, I'd pick it up and throw it lefty back to him and if one was to my right, I'd pick it up righty and throw it back to him. Once he started to notice that, everyday we'd go back and forth - one day lefty and one day righty and I've been able to do it ever since."
While Seigler can do most things ambidextrous (including golf), he did admit that he can't shoot a basketball righty and it's harder for him to throw a football with his right hand.
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What was draft day like for the youngster?
In addition to his ambidextrous talents, Seigler also reflected on the day he was drafted by the Yankees. Notably, Seigler said that the first person from the Yankees organization to reach out to him after being drafted was actually manager Aaron Boone.
"I was just amazed... I thought it was going to be the scout that was in my area but just being able to talk to [Boone] was amazing, I was speechless, I didn't know what to say to him."
Other topics discussed on the podcast:
Seigler's offseason training with the Yankees
How he became a catcher and why he loves the position
Switch hitters that he has looked up to and tried to mimic
His friendship with Clemson Quarterback and (recent) National Champion Trevor Lawrence
His lack of having a nickname (you know what to do, Pinstripers)
Be sure to give the exclusive conversation a listen for your Tuesday Yankees fix!