Clipping:Scientific batting
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| Date | Sunday, June 14, 1874 |
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| Text | Our players are beginning to appreciate the necessity and importance of . What can be more absurd than to see two or three men left on the bases, or even one at third, merely for want of a knowledge as to how and where the hit the ball? How it makes us laught to watch a big athlete step up to the plate, whack away with strength enough to fell an ox, and pop up an easy fly for the outfielder. How much more sensible to combine judgment with strength–to hit just hard enough to put the ball in a safe place! As nearly all our players have yet to the science of batting, a few “point” that have come under our constant observation may be found useful: It is an error to try to hit with all your might; this prevents your hit from having any certainty whatever. The safest hit is a sharp grounder to right field, just far enough from the 1st baseman to prevent his fielding the ball. This is an easy hit if the batter is sharp, and specially valuable when two or three men are on the bases; he should stand well forward toward the direction the ball is intended to take, and avoid getting too close to the plate; call for a waist high ball, and hit down on it, instead of making the usual round swing with the bat. Another useful hit is what we would call the “square” hit: The batter stands close to the plate, calls for a low ball, and hits the ball (as far as his bat will reach,) in front of the plate. In this hit, everything depends on meeting the ball as far in front of the plate as possible. If the ball is a grounder, the pitcher will not attempt to make a stop, while the short and second will not have time to cover it. A very useful–though hazardous–hit is what is known as the “fair-foul.” This hit is made on low balls, delivered close to the batter. All the best batters makes the same mistake on this hit; they acknowledge that it is most surely made on a low, close ball, yet they fail to take advantage of opportunities to get such a ball, preferring to trust to a chance delivery by the pitcher. This his is easy, if properly “played;” stand as close as possible to the plate; hold the bat well forward, and push down, rather than hit, at the first low ball that comes, inclining bat and body toward 3rd base. While not one of the most certain, this is one of the most effective hits, and particularly serviceable when there is a runner on 1st. McGeary is a bright exponent of this hit, and it is also successfully made by McMullin, Barlow, Fisler, Pearce, Hatfield, and others. We hope soon to be able to see a game with some show on this much neglected respect. Although the exception now, is destined to become imperative and universal. |
| Source | Philadelphia All-Day City Item |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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