should hs players auto take a strike entire game

Sultan,
The reason for the disparity in averages is that nobody has ever struck out on the first pitch. The averages on balls in play is roughly the same though usually a bit better for the first pitch.

Swinging at the first pitch does have some advantages in the right situations. Most hitters take too many first pitches.

However, being made to take the first pitch is not a good excuse for a low batting average as hitters take a high percentage of first pitches anyways.


Overall, I don't think it is a good idea but there's really nothing to be done about it until the coach figures it out for himself.

The main reason averages go up as hitter gets ahead in count or hitting on first pitches is all about discipline and hitter swinging at something he expects to be thrown in a zone he is looking for. There is a HUGE difference between hitting a hitters pitch or hitting a pitchers pitch. Falling behind in count on first pitch will mean you are less likely to be looking for a good pitch and actually getting it. Notice 3-0 count had the best average. Hitter never swings at 3-0 unless ball is center cut fastball. I don't believe the statistics are because you factor out strikeouts at all. Notice the average climbs with every pitch the pitcher falls behind and on none of these do hitters strike out.

Hitters are a bit more selective on certain counts but the big difference comes with 2 strikes and is the result of striking out. Look at the averages after a given count and you'll see they aren't quite so impressive simply because strikeouts are added in.

Given that hitters typically take 70% of first pitches the difference between taking the first pitch and being allowed to swing at the first pitch doesn't end up being a big deal unless you've got a pitcher with very good control who knows that the hitters are going to take the first pitch. What it does point out is the importance of first pitch strikes for a pitcher in either case.

I do not know how you others feel but I think we need separate forums for hitting at the LL level; middle school level; HS and college--what we dicuss in general does not appply to all the age brackets

What do you think?

TR,
You're right. There's a big difference, but I think that would be too many forums and people would still mix and match.

CAdad

Ther reason I bring it up is not for hitting instuction for theories such as in this thread.

We have a lot of new young baseball parents lurking and reading and I am afraid if we intermingle the theories they will get the wrong idea for their sons age group because many thheories don't cross over from one age group to another

Hitting technique is the same for all age groups.

Hitting strategy may depend on level.

Sultan

Strategy --Not may---it does--read what was posted--technique was not mentioned--theory was

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Reply

I agree with TR this discussion wouldn't be right for LL or really players pre high school. Approach and ability to hit diiferent pitches shouldn't be over thought by younger players. More see the ball hit the ball.

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
I do not know how you others feel but I think we need separate forums for hitting at the LL level; middle school level; HS and college--what we dicuss in general does not appply to all the age brackets

What do you think?

The board participants of younger players should operate under the assumption discussion on "hs"baseballweb are about high school ball and beyond.

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
td

I have said this before and I will say it again "There was only one Ted Williams"---I am aware of what his theories are, very well aware, but HS ball is not the major leagues---a HS hitter getting behind 0-1 in the count can kill the at bat for him--he then becomes a defensive hitter not an aggressive offensive hitter

A highschool hitter swinginging at pitches outside his tiny "hot zone" on an 0-0 count will also get him in the hole 0-1, or get him a weak popup or grounder. Why wouldn't you take a pitch that isn't in your hot zone and wait for one that is?

Of course there was only one Ted Williams, but allot of the other great hitters have/had the same approach. This is part of the reason they are great hitters. A highschooler should try to emulate this, not do the complete opposite.

Great insights here and thanks,

I am thinking that one needs to be well rounded hitter, so after digesting this I am coming away with this to be told to the players:

1. listen to the coach period and figure out the postive that can come from this rule 2. This is a great opportunity to learn to hit behind in the count as most of the other coaches have figured out how to pitch to this team. And if they want to stay in the lineup they better learn to hit behind in the count. 3. When they get ahead in the count well they batter take that good hack at the pitch in their zone. 4. if they want they can talk to the coach as players and see if they can reason with him.


Thanks all for great replies, I will keep you posted on what happens along the way.

Update on the "HS take a strike rule"

After the team started the conference games and the team went 0-2, 1-6 on the year. Coach had a meeting with the starters and said "I am giving you the green light but make sure to swing at good pitches or we may go back to the rule"

Results 10 hits and 12 hits in 2 games with 2 wins. Batting averages have gone up up up. The kids are hitting the ball although there are outs being made on the first pitch albeit lots of times hard outs. They seem more relaxed.

I will keep those interested posted as the season progresses.

Thanks again for the valuable insights.

Gonyard

im in high school im 6'3 200. im a power hitter. and the only time i will take a strike is in the first inning but at the same time i am looking for a fastball right in my wheelhouse and if its there im hitting so my advice is to pick a pitch you want and make sure its where u want it and unload on it!