Can I get an explanation on "protecting the plate"

[Clint]

I don't like the term either, I much prefer "Attack the Plate". I want to keep the batter in a more offensive mode.

 

[lhowser]

I like "Know the Situation" as a reminder. That means for example if there is a runner on third in a close game with less than 2 outs and you have 2 strikes you can give extra focus to just hitting the ball on the ground to the right side. Protect the Plate is really a verbal reminder as well. I think it actually says the coach is very worried the batter is not in tune enough and is the type of hitter to watch a third strike. It's kind of like a nervous wish by by the coach that the batter won't strike out and somehow shouting it out will impact the batter.

 

[vdubya]

Personally, I don't particularly like this saying. I think it puts the batter in a defensive frame of mind. I much prefer them to stay in an offensive frame of mind and attack anything that's close.

Exactly! I never ever EVER use the phrase. It is about as useful as "be a goalie" or "don't let a strike go by" or how about "try not to strike out."

 

[Lenski]

1. With zero strikes a batter is looking for a pitch in their favorite 6" x 6" zone. My dd prefers mid thigh, middle-in.
2. With one strike a batter is looking for a pitch in the rules stated strike zone.
3. With two strikes a batter is looking for a pitch from river to river, and armpits to mid shin (expanded zone). Foul off the junk and find a pitch to drive.

#3 is what "Protecting The Plate" is.

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

Until I have two strikes I don't give two Hershey Kisses about the strike zone. The mentality is that I am a predator of the ball, and my criteria for completing my swing is that I can get long-through the ball. It isn't until I have two strikes that I care about the strike zone ... now I am in "battle mode" and I open up the umpire's strike zone slightly. If you want to call that "protect the plate", I'm fine with that ... me, I call it "battle mode".

 

[csuttonthompson]

Protecting the plate means anything that can poss be considered a strike by the blue needs to get hit. No more waiting for your pitch-


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[Mr T]

Protect the ump's strike zone. In more advanced levels you better know the umpire's strike zone. His zone may have just changed too, if it's near a time limit and he wants to go home.

As others have said, you lose ability to be picky. Pitch recognition = pitch selection.

If you take a pitch you better look confident. Meek or disinterested body language will generally expand the zone in the umps eyes by 1 or 2 inches.

 

[Sean M]

If it's close enough for you to hit, it's close enough to potentially be called a strike.

Don't go down looking on a pitch that's just a little bit inside/outside/high/low.