Every week or so we will be taking questions from you, our readers. Anything is free game, baseball related. We will do our best to respond to as many as possible. If we don’t get to them the week you write them, we will try and get to them at a later date. Our first answer to a readers questions…
I am not an everyday player. I want to be, but it is tough when my only at bats come as a pinch hitter in the sixth or seventh inning. What can I do? Steven, Baltimore, MD
That’s tough. Let me guess, you are nervous, pressing, and probably not loose! It is very difficult coming into the game late as a pinch hitter, especially when you are trying to earn yourself a starting job.
A couple tips. First, you need to see live pitching. Not playing everyday means you aren’t getting enough live looks. Batting practice doesn’t cut it. You need to be in the bullpen before every game tracking pitches from your starting pitcher.
Second, stay loose during the game. Stretch, jog to the fence in between innings. Also, you need to be paying attention. It is difficult, but if you want that starting role, keep your head in the game at all times.
Lastly, keep working and don’t press. It is easy to think every time you pinch hit you need to hit a home run or get a base hit. Focus on having a quality at bat. Be patient and get a good pitch to hit. Best of luck, hope your starting days come soon!
If you have a question, send it to: questions@baseballtuts dot com
3 Responses
I never thought about tracking pitches while our starter warms up. That’s a good idea, but does it bother the pitcher at all?
Never know until you ask. It shouldn’t, if it does he may be in trouble once he gets into the game. Just be sure to take it serious, don’t be in there messing around. You may want to take a couple steps back off the plate and give him some room.
A GREAT idea if you’re not playing everyday! I’d suggest letting the pitcher warm up for a bit and then trying to slide in. Some may say no while other may like seeing a hitting in the box. Don’t forget to where a helmet!
I played a utility role in the minor leagues for 3 years and there came a point in my career that I was hitting .150 at the all-star break. I was so frustrated I almost walked out. Instead, I sat down with our field coordinator and asked how I could turn the corner with the bat if I wasn’t playing everyday? He said to get in the bullpen before games to get my ABs and that when my chance to play came around I’d be ready. He was right and I hit .300 over the second half of the season.