There is another problem with lefthanded catchers that has nothing to do with his throwing. It’s harder to set himself up for a throw from right field, making it easier for a runner to bowl him over. It’s a potential injury hazard, but perhaps not frequent enough to worry about.
One other thing: even if there’s absolutely NO compelling reason that lefties couldn’t be good catchers (and I haven’t seen a compelling reason yet), it’s been so long since anybody has seen a lefty catcher that:
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Youth league coaches assume it just isn’t/can’t be done, and don’t even think about putting lefties behind the plate.
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In all likelihood, nobody bothers manufacturing catcher’s mitts for lefties… so even a 10 year old lefty who WANTED to be a catcher probably couldn’t find a suitable glove at his local sporting goods store.
No problem - just take a right-handed catcher’s mitt and turn it inside-out.
I remember seeing a lefty catcher in the Little League World Series. but, he’ll no doubt be steered in a different direction if anybody comes to think he could be a pro.
Bill James claims there aren’t many leftie catchers because lefties with strong throwing arms are usually turned into pitchers.