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6 replies

As a batter, should I know this?

B billyjoe10+ posts
Assuming i'm the leadoff or a batter with no runners on base. When at the plate batting should I consciously make a decision as to where I will hit the ball as the ball is in flight to me. In other words do I just hit the ball as hard as I can or do I need to be aware of "where" I'm trying to hit it before I make the swing.
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P pbonesteele100+ posts
I don't pretend to be an expert, just a wannabe ...

But if you are the leadoff batter, or bases are empty, your job is to become a base runner any way you can. That means being disciplined ... maybe you can draw a walk. Take one for the team if it's a pitch way inside. Understand what type of pitch to expect in different count situations, what type of pitch do you want to purposefully take, i.e., a first pitch CB that you can't do much with unless its hanging. Hopefully you can battle the pitcher into a FB count. If the pitcher gets you into a 2-strike count, be disciplined enough not to chase a ball out of the zone, foul off anything close to the corners, and stay alive until the pitcher eventually makes a mistake and serves up something you can drive.

As for making decisions while the ball is in flight ... You really only want to decide "is this a pitch I want to hit" and "hit the ball where its pitched", i.e., let outside pitches get deep in the zone and go oppo, go after inside pitches aggressively out in front ... hit the ball where it's pitched. Remember, you only have a few tenths of a second to make a decision, so keep it simple, just focus on recognizing the pitch as early as possible, then trust your hands.
Last edited by pbonesteele
B billyjoe10+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by pbonesteele:
I don't pretend to be an expert, just a wannabe ...

But if you are the leadoff batter, or bases are empty, your job is to become a base runner any way you can. That means being disciplined ... maybe you can draw a walk. Take one for the team if it's a pitch way inside. Understand what type of pitch to expect in different count situations, what type of pitch do you want to purposefully take, i.e., a first pitch CB that you can't do much with unless its hanging. Hopefully you can battle the pitcher into a FB count. If the pitcher gets you into a 2-strike count, be disciplined enough not to chase a ball out of the zone, foul off anything close to the corners, and stay alive until the pitcher eventually makes a mistake and serves up something you can drive.

As for making decisions while the ball is in flight ... You really only want to decide "is this a pitch I want to hit" and "hit the ball where its pitched", i.e., let outside pitches get deep in the zone and go oppo, go after inside pitches aggressively out in front ... hit the ball where it's pitched. Remember, you only have a few tenths of a second to make a decision, so keep it simple, just focus on recognizing the pitch as early as possible, then trust your hands.


Nice answer, but let me put it another way. (you sounded like Nixon there for a moment) Smile

No one on base. Do MLB hitters try to place the ball to a certain location or are they just ripping it and then seeing where it goes.

Come on gurus, what ya waiting on?
T TeachDGameMember
Hit the Ball where it is pitched. You have infinitely more opportunities to have a successful AB if you are always trying to drive the ball. Especially when ahead in the count. You will have a difficult time driving an inside pitch to right field (assuming a RH batter) or driving an outside pitch to left field. Inside Pitch you better turn on it and hit it out in front and "drive" the ball to the left side. As noted, an outside pitch you should allow to get deeper in the zone and drive it to the right side. Therefore, IMHO, you should always be looking to rip the ball which in most cases is more successfully done by hitting it where it is pitched... unless your name is Vlademir Guerrero, then anything out of a Pitchers hand is fair game for the bleachers.....
P PGStaff10,000+ posts
BillieJoe,

What you are describing could be called visualization. There are many great hitters who use that technique.

Basically, it involves mentally picturing what's going to happen before it happens. ie. picturing the line drive up the middle.

However, even those who practise this, need to be able to make the necessary adjustments.
C Chief4210+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by PGStaff:
BillieJoe,

What you are describing could be called visualization. There are many great hitters who use that technique.

Basically, it involves mentally picturing what's going to happen before it happens. ie. picturing the line drive up the middle.

However, even those who practise this, need to be able to make the necessary adjustments.



I totally agree with this. I try to get my pitchers to visualise they game they are going to pitch, the night before. While laying in bed, see the pitches you want to hit and see yourself hitting the pitches where they are pitched (if that makes sense). Also, during the game, focus on the pitcher and what pitches he has and where he throws them, then visualise yourself getting those pitches and putting "proper" swings on them. It never hurts to be prepared and this way you won't be surprised with what the pitcher has. Good luck!!

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