Baseball coaches have much work to do in practice and limited time in which to do it. One of the significant changes in the evolution of baseball practice is the use of stations. While some players work on fielding, others work on base running. While some work on pitching, others work on hitting. Baseball players can hone their batting stroke by stepping into the batting cage and hitting against a pitching machine.
Function
Hitting a baseball thrown at speeds over 90 miles per hour is challenging. Batters are trying to hit a round ball with a round bat and make square contact. This takes hand-eye coordination, quick and strong hands, strength and timing. The batting cage is an enclosed area that restricts the flight of the balls so other players won't get hit with line drives. When a pitching machine is placed inside the batting cage, a hitter can concentrate on his swing and work to improve it. He can work on his own or with a coach who can observe his swing and give pointers.
Significance
Instead of having a pitcher or a series of pitchers throw pitch after pitch as the batter stands at the plate and having all the fielders in their respective positions, the batter can work alone or with a coach without any distractions. The pitching machines operate electrically, and the coach can stop the delivery if he wants to make a teaching point. This makes for a much faster and more organized hitting session in which the batter has an excellent chance to make progress.
Features
Pitching machines can throw a variety of pitches. In addition to taking swings against a hard fastball, batters can hit against curveballs, sliders, sinkers and change-ups. This allows the batter to gain confidence against the tough pitches that might otherwise get him out. Some hitters will also use pitching machines prior to an at bat in games so they can come to the plate loose. Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz regularly follows this procedure. "You want to stay loose," Ortiz told Fox Television. "Swinging in the cage helps prepare you."
Benefits
In a batting cage, a hitter can work on his problems without delay. Many teams have one or two batting cages available prior to games. Every hitter is going to get a turn in the cage every day. If a hitter wants to work on a particular pitch that is giving him trouble, he can probably work after a game as well. Instead of worrying about a slump or why he is having problems at the plate, a hitter with access to batting cages can work out his hitting problems.
Warning
While hitting in a batting cage is an excellent form of practice and can help many hitters, it is not the same as hitting against live pitching. While a pitching machine can throw a variety of pitches, it has to be set to change pitches. That does not help a hitter who doesn't know what is coming when he is facing a live pitcher.
