Sittin' on a pitch

I believe I once read an article that sorta tried to analyze this through interviews and data with MLB players.  Going off memory only, but there was 1) a group of players who recognized pitches, 2) a group of players who thought they recognized pitches but weren't sure and 3) a group of players that guessed based on pitch patterns and instinct.

I think that the 1st and 3rd group in particular could be said to "sit on pitches."  That is, wait for the pitch they were most comfortable with for that pitcher and either by recognition or instinct...hit that pitch.

I know I can recognize pitches from behind the backstop...but that doesn't mean I could recognize them in time to effectively hit against them. 

Would be interesting to hear what PGStaff thinks about this topic.  He might(?) say my memory of that article (or the article) is nonsense...and it might be?  But I bet he has some good stuff to say about this.

What does it really mean to "sit on a pitch?"

To me, it means the hitter is guessing what the pitcher is going to throw, and how he is trying to get the hitter out....there are many ways to get hitters out (they're not a smart bunch) .  Depending on the count, level (high school, college, majors), and the situation will the hitter try to figure out what the pitcher is likely to throw.  Colleges, minor league and major league has the advantage of advanced scouting reports, stats and video to help with that guess work.  As a hitter, you've got to understand your match up with the pitcher, and what you are good at.  The pitcher is doing the same thing by analyzing the hitters previous at bats and swings.  This match up is what makes baseball exciting for me especially in tight situations. 

Many times hitters guess wrong, and you get some funny swings.  Of course good pitchers have multiple pitches they can throw for a strike in any count in any situation....those are the ones you don't want to be facing especially if you can't catch up to their fastball....you've become easy pickins'.

I don't think it means (or, at least, should mean) guessing on a pitch. To me, a hitter might choose to "sit on a pitch" when he is ahead in the count and can afford to take a strike if he doesn't get the pitch he wants, and "reduces the zone" looking for a specific pitch in a particular zone.  How you might define what pitch that is and where you are looking might involve some of the (educated) guessing fenwaysouth is talking about, but it is just as much about knowing your own strengths and tendencies as a hitter and looking for a pitch where you can maximize them.

So, you "sit on a pitch" when the pitcher "has to come to you," most often in fastball counts and especially with a pitcher struggling to control his secondary pitches.  You reduce the strike zone (no swinging at "pitcher's pitches") and look for something you can handle in your "happy zone."

I agree with EdgarFan.  To me, hitter sitting on a pitch means he's swinging only when he see's something specific, as demanded by the situation. By the same token, he's taking when he doesn't see it. Less than two outs and runners on 2B and 3B?  Looking for something to drive, say, FB middle-in. Righty up in hit and run situation? Looking for something he can hit the other way. Right? 

MLB pitchers on average throw fastballs in the following counts...

0-0 - 68%

0-1 - 55%

0-2 - 52%

1-0 - 68%

1-1 - 56%

1-2 - 49%

2-0 - 79%

2-1 - 69%

2-2 - 54%

3-0 - 84%

3-1 - 84%

3-2 - 70%

Hitters sit on fastballs with a 2-0 and 3-1 count. Unless it was an unusual pitcher, the fastball is nearly everyone's best control pitch, why wouldn't a hitter sit on that pitch. The hitter has a big advantage when he knows what pitch is coming. Many hitters just won't swing at anything but a fastball until they have at least one strike. So basically they are sitting on the fastball until they have at least one strike.  There is a reason why the batting averages go way up in 2-0 and 3-1 counts. Unfortunately (for hitters) all fastballs are not alike! And of course, "all" pitchers don't throw fastballs in fastball counts. But most do! There are also hitters that will sit on the breaking ball or other pitches if the situation and/or pitcher warrants it. It is simply "sitting" on the pitch you're expecting. It is part of "thinking" or having a "plan" at the plate. Most hitters will change this approach with 2 strikes.  Many go to a two strike approach, but some don't. Those that don't use a two strike approach tend to hit lots of home runs and they also strike out a lot. For sure they strike out a lot.

"Sitting on a pitch" simply means keep majority of your weight on back leg when swinging through the ball and rotating hips (as if you would be sitting on the edge of a stool throughout your swing). Simply put; don't lunge for pitches forcing your weight out on the front leg.