I dont think so, look at some of these pitches they swing at, almost hits them and they swing half the time, any upper level baseball players here, what did u see when a 95 mph fastball was comin at you or did u just swing and pray or stand there and pray its a ball like it seems these guys are doin
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Big league hitters guess a lot.
For example, when you see a hitter with a 1-2 count, they may "sell out" to the breaking ball. So if that's what the pitcher throws, they are ready for it and they will put a good swing on it. You've probably been sitting at home watching a game and see a hitter take a fastball down the middle for strike 3, and say to yourself "what the hell was he thinking...why didn't he swing?" Chances are pretty good he was guessing curve or slider and guessed wrong.
Even the best hitters in the world can't sit on the fastball and then adjust to the curveball.
BAUSComment -
BAUS has coached the base pads for a long time and should be listened to when it comes to baseball matters
MathyComment -
I see what your sayin Baus but what happens like on that Phillies swing a second ago where the pitch almost hit him and he goes spinning around and falls over, was he just guessing fastball and just gonna swing no matter what or somethin and just didnt notice the ball almost hitting him?
Are you basically saying they dont see the ball at all they just guess and swing based on their guess rather than the pitch?Comment -
Not only can they see it, they can hear it too...Comment -
its all about placing the ball, I was always really good at knowing EXACTLY where the ball was right out of the pitchers hand. Even then, I had to watch closely to see if I saw any weird arm motion that would warrant a breaking ball. Have to guess in the big leagues thoughComment -
I played at a high level, and occasionally saw pitches up to about 92-93MPH. Because it was a rarity for me to see that type of speed, it was a little difficult picking up out of the hand. But I was able to see the ball, and was able to get some wood on it.
Now a guy who throws 92-93 with a nasty changeup...goodluck!Comment -
I didn't see that play, but I think I know what you mean.
I didn't mean hitters guess location so much as they guess 1) Fastball 2) Curveball 3) Slider 4) Change Up, etc.
Hitters can see the ball. Maybe the hitter you are talking about has an open stance and dives into the plate with his stride and the pitch was up and in.
BAUSComment -
No every swing is a guess and miracle.Comment -
When you are used to facing 80-82mph all the time (like high school), and then all of a sudden face 90, it's a big adjustment.
But when you regularly face pitchers that throw 90+, it "slows" down. Try it at the batting cage. Crank the machine to 90mph and just stand in the box. The first few pitches will seem impossible to see, but after while it becomes easier and easier to pick it up.
Seeing it and hitting it are two different things obviously.
BAUSComment -
Yea it was way in and a little up with an open stance, just looked odd seein a pitch almost brush him and still taking a huge cut at itComment -
BAUS make a videoComment