Taking the First Pitch

Have to weigh in again on this one, there are some good arguments out there.

For an experienced hitter, say the high school level, they should know how to work a count. Here is the philosophy we followed at that level.

The first strike is yours. If you like the fastball on the inside part of the plate, don't dribble a grounder to second on the first pitch just because the pitcher made a good pitch low and away. Before you get a strike on you, look for your pitch.

O and 1, 1 and 1, 2 and 1, you expand your comfort area. That perfect pitch still belongs to the pitcher (you only have one strike), but he probably can't throw it.

With two strikes, you are protecting the plate. Close enough to swing at means it could be a strike, swing.

3 and 0, 2 and 0, 3 and 1, ONLY swing at your pitch. The count is in your favor, the pitcher has to come to you. The coaching staff EXPECTS you to hit the ball hard when you swing with those counts.

Remember, that was with experienced and decent hitters.

When the players are younger you have to simplify things (for most). Before you get a strike, hit your pitch. After that, swing at strikes, let the "balls" go. With two strikes, protect the plate. Be aggressive 2 and 0, 2 and 1, 3 and 0, 3 and 1, but hit YOUR pitch.

A lot of people only look at this from a hitters perspective, but think about what a good pitcher is trying to do (especially when they get older and have more command). Get ahead without putting the ball in the middle of the plate. Keep the ball low and away or up and in. Low and in is ok too. When you're ahead in the count, make him hit your pitch. If you get behind, you have to make sure you throw strikes, be less "fine". We're not talking tentative, we're talking about pitching.

For the most part, good hitters in the majors work counts. Take some of the examples that TJ gave. Sure they were (are) agrresive, but most knew when the pitcher had to come to them. You think a pitcher with a 3 and 0 count doesn't shake when Jr. Griffey is at the plate? You think Jr. is drooling in that situation? You think the pitcher would feel better if he was 0 and 2? I do.

Just look at major league batting averages based on the count. IT tells the tale. The young guys that are capable should start learning early.

As a pitcher, send up a hacker against me any day (except Yogi:). If he expands the strike zone early in the count, he is mine.

Splitter