Category: Pitching
Type: Philosophy
GARY ADAMS' TIP OF THE MONTH DECEMBER 2000
Statistics show the benefits of pitching ahead in the count
1. If there is one word that best describes the Bruin pitching philosophy, it is “CONTROL”. The backbone to control is intense concentration, good form, self-confidence, conditioning and practice.
2. The first pitch to the batter is an important one. If it is a strike the pitcher has succeeded in putting the pressure on the batter and forced him to be a defensive hitter.
3. Records show that 50% of the hitters will take the first pitch. A pitcher should take advantage of that percentage.
4. A pitcher should be able to throw the first pitch for a strike at least 65% of the time to be a consistent winner. Bruin pitchers are charted every game in this category, “Lead-Off Strike Percentage”.
5. The first pitch to the hitter should be a “semi-challenge” pitch, i.e., any type of pitch over the middle of the plate and just above the knees for a strike.
6. The pitcher must stay ahead of the hitter and keep the pressure on the batter, not himself. A “Count Chart” is used to evaluate a Bruin’s ability to achieve this objective in every appearance he makes.
7. The goal, as indicated on the “Count Chart,” is to pitch ahead and for tied a least 65% of the time.
8. Statistics have been kept in the major leagues and colleges on the effect that the count has on a hitter’s batting average (see chart). Listed below are the results of statistics kept on the Cleveland Indians during two seasons and on a college team for 163 games.
9. Looking at the above statistics it is quite evident that the count on the batter has a significant affect on his performance. It clearly demonstrates that a pitcher has a much better chance of getting the batter out when the pitcher is ahead in the count.
10. Statistics show that 30% of all baserunners will eventually score; therefore, the fewer “gifts” (walks, or hit batters), the fewer runs will score and the better success the pitcher will have. A study done on one college team showed that 47% of the leadoff hitters who walked eventually scored.
11. A “Pitching Efficiency” record is kept on each Bruin pitcher. This is figured by dividing the number of batters a pitcher faces into the number of walks or hit batsmen he has given-up. The Bruin goal is to keep the “P.E.” figure below 8.0%.
Submitted by: UCLA Head Coach Gary Adams
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