eclipse09 wrote:So what is a catcher's dream???
jonriv wrote:eclipse09 wrote:So what is a catcher's dream???
Three quick ground outs by over aggressive hitters swinging at "pitchers" strikes because their Dads told them to
Hinky wrote:shortslappy wrote:
Now look at her ... hitting lead-off, fouling off balls on a 3-2 count, and drawing a walk after taking the first strike.
Does she always take 1st strike?
jonriv wrote:GIMNEPIWO wrote:shortslappy wrote:Related question regarding lead-off hitters taking strikes:
My dd is fast and an aggressively successful base runner, so she moved her way to lead-off. She's bounced in and out of that role, but has been getting mixed messages about her at-bats. With her first at-bat of a game and nobody on base, she likes to swing at any pitch that will get her on base (usually within the first 3 pitches). She got pulled aside and was "strongly advised" to not jump on the first strike unless it's "her pitch" (belt-high, just a bit outside). I was later told by another lead-off hitter that part of her job was to see as many pitches, even if it means fouling off balls on a 3-2 count.
So what do you think adds more value to a lead-off hitter, get on base or allow your team more pitches to see (which sometimes mean taking the first strike)?
To take pitches so that your team gets to see more strikes (or balls) is quite possibly the stupidest thing I've ever heard ... A lead off batters job is to get on base.
This actually a strategy that the Yankees and Red Sox have used for 20 years(one reason that their games are so long) I agree that getting on base is the Primary job of the lead-off, but woking a pitch count can be a very effective tool(especially if it leads to a hit or walk)