Archive for the 'Spring Training' Category
Approaching the Plate
From Manny Mota: “Concentration, rhythm, and purpose are some of the most important aspects to hitting, according to legendary Dodgers outfielder Manny Mota. “Hitters should take short strides and use quick hands,” he said. “Taking a short stride actually helps your hands be quicker. It keeps your swing compact and under control.”
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Baseball Tips for Pitchers - Pitching Easy
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Mechanics of a Fast Ball
The Fast Ball
The fastball is the most basic pitch in a pitcher’s arsenal, probably the first pitch anybody learns. It’s the easiest to control grip is fairly simple and, unlike other pitches, allows a pitcher to maintain a good grip on the ball, and therefore, control.
But while speed is important to the pitch, the way a fastball is thrown, with two seams, four seams, etc. - is vital to giving the pitch movement. It doesn’t matter how fast a fastball goes. If it goes straight as an arrow, hitters at all levels will likely catch up to it at some point.
It’s all about how a pitcher holds and releases the ball. If it’s released with the fingers pointed straight up, the pitch isn’t likely to move much. But if the fingers are to one side or the other, the ball will get some different spin and move a little more.
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Baseball By the Numbers - How To
Figuring a pitcher’s Earned Run Average (ERA):
According to the official rules of baseball, an earned run is a run for which the pitcher is held accountable. The pitcher is charged with an earned run for every base runner that scores who hasn’t reached base because of an error. In more basic terms, the pitcher is responsible for runs scored as a result of:
Hits Sacrifice bunts Sacrifice flies Stolen bases Putouts Fielder’s Choices Bases on balls thrown by the pitcher Batters hit by the pitcher Balks by the pitcher Wild pitches thrown by the pitcher
The earned run average is the average number of earned runs scored on a pitcher per game. A quick glance at the formula involved in determining a pitcher’s ERA can be a bit scary — reminiscent at times of the complex formulas used to determine how much rocket fuel is needed to get the Space Shuttle to lift off — but it’s really not that difficult at all.
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Baseball Glossary of Terms
ACE A team’s best starting pitcher.
ALLEY The section of the outfield between the outfielders. Also called gap.
Around the Horn: The 5-4-3 double play — third to second to first. In the infield the numbers go: Pitcher #1, catcher #2, 1st base #3, 2nd base #4, shortstop #6, 3rd base #5.
ASSIST Help from a fielder in putting an offensive player out. A fielder is credited with an assist when he throws a baserunner or hitter out at a base.
AT BAT The offensive team’s turn to bat the ball and score. Each player takes a turn at bat until three outs are made. Each Batter’s opportunity at the plate is scored as an “at bat” for him
BACKDOOR SLIDER A pitch that appears to be out of the strike zone, but then breaks over the plate.
BACKSTOP Fence or wall behind home plate.
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Video: How to Pitch From the Wind-up
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Tips to Become a Better Player
Conditioning
Most young pitchers do not realize the importance of both strong legs and stamina. Long distance running is a mainstay for professional pitchers. You should add long distance running to your regimen if you are truly serious about pitching (run 3-5 times a week!)
Thinking properly
While in the field, always have the thought process of, “What should I do if the ball is hit to me on the ground or in the air.” If you are always thinking this, you will always know where to throw the ball.
Hustle
Hustle is what determines the winners from the losers and the players from the athletes. Hustle catches the attention of coaches. A coach may take a player who hustles over one who is more talented, because that person is more valuable as a team player. It doesn’t take any talent to hustle. Run on and off the field. Run out all ground balls and pop-ups. Hustle will set a player apart.
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Tips From the Pros: Hitting
In 1997, Mike Piazza hit .362, the highest batting average for a catcher in more than 50 years, and racked up a slugging percentage of .638. With 40 homers, 124 RBIs, 104 runs, and 201 hits, Piazza had the greatest offensive season of any catcher in the more than 100 years. Here are some of Mike’s baseball batting tips:
* Look for a good pitch to hit.
* Have a quick bat.
* Stay inside of the ball so you can hit the ball to all fields.
* Try to spread your feet a little wider than shoulder width for balance.
* Hold your bat at a 45-degree angle to alleviate unnecessary movement in your swing.
* Keep your back elbow close to your body to help your hands and the barrel of the bat swing through the ball.
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Video - Learn Pitching Warm-Ups
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