Situational Hitting: Part 4

Matt Schilling: From the Batting Cage

We have been discussing situational hitting and ways to make yourself a productive hitter by executing when in "situational hitting" situations. This week we are going to discuss the following situations:

1. Hit and Runs

2. Leading off an Inning

Hit and Runs:

Every coach seems to have a slightly different opinion on what they want their hitters to do on a hit and run. In general a perfect hit and run will have the batter hit a ground ball to the opposite field. When a runner is on first, the middle infielder who is on the hitter's opposite field side usually has coverage of second in the event of a steal. So if the hitter can hit a ground ball through the vacated hole caused by the middle infielder covering second, you have a perfect hit and run. The problem is that the pitcher doesn't always throw a good pitch that you can hit on the ground to the opposite field side, so what do you do?

I have a few rules of thumb that will help you with a hit and run. First, if your coach puts this sign on, you HAVE to swing at the pitch, even if it is a ball. The only pitch I would not want you to swing at is a ball in the dirt. A pitch in the dirt is very difficult for the catcher to try to throw a runner out on, so there is no point in swinging just to protect the runner. Next, focus on hitting the ball on the ground but don't worry so much about hitting it to the opposite field, focus more on hitting it where it is pitched. I have seen too many players get an inside fastball and try to hit a grounder the other way and they wind up getting jammed and popping up, sometimes resulting in a double play.

So...focus mostly on getting the ball on the ground and hitting it where it is pitched. If you can take it "oppo," do, but do it without altering your swing too much. Lastly, most young players that I see get the hit and run sign from their coach, will chop down at the pitch. You need to have enough bat control to be able to hit a good, solid ground ball without having to significantly change your swing. Talk to your coach and ask him what he wants from a hit and run and make sure that you are clear on what expectations he has.

Leading off an Inning:

The leadoff hitter on a team is usually the best at getting on base and usually has some speed. The problem is that he very often only leads off the first inning. As hitters we are all going to be leadoff men. We are all going to have the responsibility of getting a rally started. So what types of things should you do to be effective?

First, raise your intensity. When your team is down a run in the 9th inning it always amazes me how much the offensive team raises its itensity. All of a sudden players are doing whatever they possibly can to get on base. They move up in the box, up on the plate, try to get hit by pitches, they will dive head first into first base trying to beat out a ground ball. All kinds of extra effort in just to try to get on base. Why don't players and teams do this in say the 3rd inning? Because the game is not on the line...or is it?

As hitters, if you are leading off an inning, get your butt on base! Do whatever it takes. I would suggest moving up on the plate a little bit. Often pitchers don't like the look of a batter on top of the plate and it will intimidate them enough to pitch away from you and out of the zone. This can get you into a hitters count giving you a better chance to get a better, more predictable pitch to hit. As we have discussed in previous blogs, this gives you a much better chance to get a hit and get on base. Lastly, check the defense. Often the corner infielders may be asleep the first few pitches of a new half inning. They may be playing a little too deep which may give you a chance to drop a bunt for a hit.

All of the situations that we have covered are immensily important to the success of your team and to your production as a hitter. Always make sure you are clear in your mind at what your job is and what you have to do to be successful in that situation. If your mind is clear you will function much better without a hesitation in the box. Good luck and EXECUTE, your coach will love you for it.


Schilling graduated from Coastal Carolina University, where he was an All-Conference and All-State player while being voted the fourth best second baseman in the country by the Smith Award Group. Schilling went on to coach at Coastal for five years, helping them reach the top 25. He is also a former Associate Scout with the Atlanta Braves.