Types of Batting

In baseball, many approaches to batting are taken as teams try to outscore their opponent. Batters need a bat (aluminum or wood), some protection (a helmet and optional shin or elbow guards) and batting gloves for grip. There are different batting styles, techniques and strategies that are applied to particular situations in a baseball game.

  1. Left/Right/Switch

    • Ichiro Suzuki is one of the top left-handed batters in baseball.

      Every batter hits either left- or right-handed. Those who have mastered batting from both sides of the plate are considered switch-hitters. Some of the best switch-hitting batters in baseball history include Mickey Mantle, Eddie Murray and Chipper Jones. Statistically, left-handed batters tend to have more success against right-handed pitchers, and the same goes for right-handed batters against left-handed pitching. This speaks to the value of productive switch-hitters, who can bat from either side to maximize success.

    Power vs. Average

    • There are traditionally two types of successful batters: those who can hit for power and those who can hit for average. Power hitters generally bat in the middle of the order (the three, four and five spots in the lineup). While they may strike out frequently, they have a propensity to drive the ball deep. Players who can bat for average may lack some strength but they put the ball in play, resulting in a high batting average. A select few players, like Albert Pujols, are known for batting for power and average, making them some of the all-time greats.

    Situational

    • Sometimes, the situation dictates how a player should approach batting. With a runner at second base and no outs, the goal is to hit the ball to the right side of the field so the runner can advance to third base. With a runner at third base and less than two outs, hitting a fly ball to the outfield will likely score the runner. Bunting is another batting approach used to advance runners. Batters must be able to adjust to different situations to help their team score runs.

    Batting Lineup

    • Managers deliver a batting lineup to the umpire before each game.

      In baseball, a batting lineup consists of nine players hitting in succession. This includes one lineup spot for each position. Additionally, pinch-hitters can be used off the bench. Late in games, a coach can insert a pinch-hitter to bat for a certain player in order to gain a favorable matchup.