The pinnacle of competition in baseball is on full display during lengthy at bats, when the game is on the line. It is why we play. Also, why we watch. As a spectator to the verocity, the tension builds as the true joy of this great game comes front and center. Whichever way the battle plays out, the unexpected possibilities keep us on the edge of our seats in anticipation. At the same time, there is a confident calmness that also arises when the onslaught reaches a certain level of intensity. We become one with the situation as the anxiety is subdued. The exchange brings out the best the sport has to offer. Winning the Battle is the only thing on the mind of both parties involved. Insufficiency is not an option.

Alternately, when you are in the trenches first hand, the battle dynamic is even more intense. Although, the best have the sense of coolness that they can’t be faltered. It is like a walk in the park for them. AKA Just Doing Their Job. The pressure cooker is a part of the game which the dedicated competitor gladly accepts.So let’s look at what it takes for Winning the Battle: Pitcher vs Hitter.

 

Winning The Battle
Keep Making Pitches

As the exchange intensifies, the intent remains the same. Focus on making pitches. That is the #1 obligation of a pitcher, in any and all situations. Execute and ye shall be prosperous. In aiding the imperative, stay in the moment. 1 pitch at a time. Win each pitch. Now is not the time to be operating like a pool shark, thinking 3 pitches ahead. In those epic 10+ pitch at bats, the longer they go, the more desire you have to finish them off on the next pitch.

In doing so, Challenge the hitter. CHALLENGE HIM! Let him know that you are coming right at him and he has to react to your arsenal. In the chess match between pitcher and hitter, the man on the mound always has the first move. How fitting that you chose this position of glory and honor.

Obviously, nibbling with pitch location is now passé There is less margin for error. Therefore, constantly be on the attack. It wears hitters down.

 

Winning The Battle
Improvise

Chances are, that once an at bat gets to an extended full count, the hitter has spoiled some of your better pitches. Thus, now you have to improvise. Your strengths may not be overpowering to him. He could have made the necessary adjustments after seeing a pitch/location the 2nd time. Or simply, that bastard could just be guessing lucky enough to stay alive. Being that it may, you have to keep grinding through the at bat. With improvisation means sniffing out his weaknesses.

He is a hitter. He has flaws. They all do. Therefore, the more you pitch to him, the clearer they will be to you and your catcher. So trust your catcher’s instincts and his pitch calling. All it takes is one hole in his approach and the epic battle has concluded in your favor. Much to the frustration of your counterpart, the opposite dugout and their entire fanbase! Now who says baseball is boring?

 

Winning The Battle
Never Give In

Naturally, winning is the only option here. You certainly will not let your team down. In return, they will play harder behind you. Therefore, never give in to hitters in these gut wrenching situations. Even when he is matching you blow for blow, there is always the one knockout punch he never sees coming.

 

I AM better than him, I AM.

 

As a visual understanding, it can be clear to see that lengthy at bats of this proportion can take a lot out of a pitcher. These can inhibit him from working as many innings as desired that day. Don’t get hung up on it. You pitched according to the environment of the game that day in order to give your team a chance to win. The coveted effort was there. Your teammates and coaching staff alike appreciate the work. As baseball is a team game, you hand the ball off to the next arm and let him do his thing.

 

 

Winning The Battle
Pitch With Conviction

As the at bat gets longer, you accept the intensified terms of the temporary havoc. A scratch & claw mentality to win enhances your focus. You invested way too much of yourself so far to lose this battle. As a result, conviction becomes even more pertinent. Whichever pitch you choose, you know it is the best for that spot. For example, it is a full count. The hitter has fouled off 6 straight fastballs. He hasn’t see a Slider since it was 1-2. The previous 6 fastballs were all located well enough that he couldn’t square them up enough to put them in play. However, you feel him getting more comfortable. His timing is almost there. The previous pitch was a high fastball which he fouled straight back. Now, your gut instincts as well as your catcher are saying Slider. With that synergetic assurance, you go with it!  

Visual Prep. Start the Slider on the outer half, break it down and away from the zone.   
Let’s do it! Stay Behind the Slider, Release it Out In Front, and Throw it DOWNHILL! As a result,…

 

 

Keep Dominating!!!