Why are left-handed people referred to as 'southpaws'?

The “American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language” cites the conventional wisdom that the word “southpaw” originated “from the practice in baseball of arranging the diamond with the batter facing east to avoid the afternoon sun. read more

The word was initially applied in English to a punch with the left hand, as in, "he hit me with a southpaw." The implication may have been that one would expect an assailant to strike with the right hand so the left-handed punch came from an unexpected direction. read more

It’s also commonly used in reference to left-handed boxers, but also to any boxer who uses a stance with the right foot in front of the left. This is often referred to as a “southpaw stance.” According to Wikipedia, only about 7 to 10 percent of the population is left-handed, and many of those exhibit some degree of ambidexterity. read more