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From the 2015 archive
This is historical coaching writing originally published under Krush Athletics. The wording reflects its original period. For current guidance, use AHD lessons and SwingChecker.
. The ALL Star and the Rookie
While working out, on swing mechanics and general mental approaches, with one of the 2008 US Olympic baseball team members in the off-season (I know… tough life), he told me a great story … In the 2008 season, one of the San Diego Padres young catchers watched as the best hitter on the planet (at least that season) dug into the batters box. This guy was a star of stars and the catcher was just a “rookie nobody.” As the hitter got in the box, planting his back foot, he told the rookie catcher that he had a nice swing and was just doing a few little things wrong. He went on to tell him he was getting his front foot down late.
Here is the funny part! He then told the rook to take the first pitch in his next plate appearance and work on getting that foot down on time. Then look out to the outfield where the star of stars was playing. “If I take my hat off, you were good, you were down early.” The catcher couldn’t believe this was happening.
Questions floundered through his head …
This guy is really talking to ME? Why? Am I really getting down late? In the middle of a pennant race, he is going to help a member of a rival team? Can he really see this from his outfield position?
Is he really going to take his hat off to let me know? OK, so the catcher gets to the plate in his next at-bat wondering if this was really happening. He decided to focus on the point the star spoke of. He took the first pitch focusing on getting his front foot down early. He then slowly looked towards the outfield … there was the all-star shaking his head up and down as to say it was perfect. The rook was almost in shock with the whole scenario that just happened. Next pitch … Double.
Quick answers
What was the hitting tip in the All-Star and rookie story?
The rookie was getting his front foot down late. Getting it down on time fixed his timing, and he doubled on the next pitch.
Why does getting the front foot down on time matter?
A late front foot makes the whole swing late. Landing early or on time gives the hitter time to see the pitch and make a good swing.
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