How do you get live at bats?

My son is only 18, a 2021 high school grad, and about to be a college freshman in the fall, but this is something we have struggled to find over the years, more live at bats…

There have been times where his friends who are pitchers have needed to throw, and he’s gotten extra at bats against them in casual practice settings.  

You can get tons of live at bats at Driveline in Seattle, as part of their hitting programs, facing pitchers from their pitching program (including many pro pitchers).  That, of course, involves an investment of time and money, not to mention relocating to Seattle for a few weeks or months

Depending on where you live, if there are lots of travel programs near you, a lot of the coaches from those programs are former college pitchers, many of whom still active in semi-pro ball, and would welcome an opportunity to make some extra money pitching.  That’s where I’d check first… of course, a lot of travel coaches are busy in the summer at tournaments etc

I'm in Southern California, and there are coaches who work out college kids who are home for the summer, for whatever reason.  These coaches are high-level baseball guys - former MLB and MiLB players - who have stayed in touch with players they've trained over the years.  They work out 5 days a week and get fielding reps, BP reps, live pitching reps.  I would have your son talk to his travel coach who trained him and helped him with recruiting and see if he can connect him with such a group or coach.

During the game when he is sitting, why not take one of the outfielder to the batting cages for extra hitting. The coach would approve this. When I coached my extra hitters would “tune up and prepare” for opportunity to pinch hit. The 6 th tool works for coaches and players.
Bob

@Consultant posted:

During the game when he is sitting, why not take one of the outfielder to the batting cages for extra hitting. The coach would approve this. When I coached my extra hitters would “tune up and prepare” for opportunity to pinch hit. The 6 th tool works for coaches and players.
Bob

Thanks Bob - he gets plenty of batting cage practice. He needs live at bats - fast balls, curve balls, sliders etc.

Play on a second team just as an outfielder that is a semi pro or MABL team. These leagues are typically lower level college guys, former minor leaguers and players who aged out of high school and/or college ball who just can’t stop playing.

baseball mom:

Did his College Coach assign your son to the Team? What is the quality level of the League?

Did your son bat during the College year? Are any of the outfielders also pitchers?

Bob

@Consultant posted:

baseball mom:

Did his College Coach assign your son to the Team? What is the quality level of the League?

Did your son bat during the College year? Are any of the outfielders also pitchers?

Bob

Sent you a PM -hope that is ok.

Would also suggest looking for any pitching facility in the area that works w/ college guys in the summer. The one near us has live ABs twice a week.