Switch hitting allows the batter to be in a favorable situation, no matter who is on the mound. When a right handed pitcher is throwing, the batter bats as lefty. When a southpaw is on the hill, he hits as a righty.

What percentage of baseball players can switch hit?

So, about 8% of players on Major League teams are switch hitters. If you look at position players only, then 13% are switch hitters, 54% right-handed and 33% left-handed hitters.

Can a batter switch hit in the middle of an at bat?

Unlike the pitcher, the batter can switch continuously from the left to the right side of the plate during the same at-bat. However, there is one exception: never during the pitcher's windup. If the batter switches sides during the windup, he's OUT.