- Jul 26, 2010
- 3,553
- 0
I don't have enough information to dispute that, but I'd be curious to see if that theory is true.
On my last team, our 1-2 pitchers ranked about #6 and #10 in hitting. On the team before that, they ranked #9 and #11. That was 12U. Where does the ace pitcher bat on college teams on average? I don't know. Just curious.
Every player is different. Generally, pitchers end up being good hitters due to their understanding of the sheer amount of dedication and hard work it takes to excel at something. This carries over into other aspects of the sport and life in general. Pitchers are also getting bigger and taller at the top levels of the game, so clearly this has an impact on hitting as well.
As mentioned, 2012's WCWS pitchers are both feared hitters. Jackie Traina had a 1.87ERA, but she also batted .319 with 10 HR and 37 RBI's. Keilani Rickets had a 1.08ERA, batted .395 (led the NCAA for walks with 53 for a .553 on base %), and had several multiple HR games.
Jennie Finch was also a strong hitter that became even stronger in her post-college career. If I recall, she hit a HR in her final series before she retired while playing 1B.
Cat Osterman and Monica Abbot on the other hand, seems like they barely knows which end of the bat to hold on the rare occasions when they've hit.
As a coach, I don't think there is a lot of emphasis put on a pitcher that they "have" to be a good hitter. The coach wants a good pitcher, and can flex them if need be.
As a player, there are huge benefits to being a good hitter. A pitcher might have to wait a few years to get the spotlight, especially if there is a good upper classman pitching on their current team(HS or College). If that player can hit, however, the coach will find a place to play them and the player will get a chance to win the coaches confidence at the plate which can translate to confidence in that pitcher to get them circle time.
-W