By Jon Weisman

Let the record show that Don Mattingly threw left in the Major Leagues. Let the picture show that Mattingly throws right.

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

The former eight-time All-Star often finds his way to first base during batting practice, but lately, he’s been wearing a glove on what you’d expect to be his throwing hand. (At right, Mattingly throwing lefty on April 15.)

Mattingly explained that he’s ambidextrous, but after spending his career throwing left — including three games at third base in 1986 — wear and tear has turned him around.

“With my shoulder, I can’t really throw left-handed,” he said. “I can’t really pull it way back. So I’m getting my right hand going again.”

Mattingly said that in Little League, when he played positions including catcher and shortstop, he played right-handed.

“Once I got to high school, I pretty much stayed left-handed,” he said. “That was my stronger arm — always stronger left-handed. But I always threw right naturally.”