In most scenarios, it's an insult to be called opportunistic. That's not the case, though, when it comes to hitting in baseball. The best hitters routinely take advantage of potential run-scoring situations and do whatever it takes to drive home base runners. Every time a batter is responsible for scoring a runner, it's known as an RBI -- an acronym for run batted in. Also known as "ribbies," this vital aspect of hitting is an art form.
Situational Hitting
It helps if you're a talented hitter, but recording RBIs is also a mental process. For instance, if there's a man on base and fewer than two outs, you don't have to get a base hit to drive in the run. A deep fly ball will allow the runner to tag up and score once the outfielder catches the ball. When the bases are loaded, you'll know that the pitcher can't afford to walk you, so you can wait for a meaty pitch before swinging.
Level Swing
Generally speaking, you always should aim to maintain a level swing rather than an uppercut, which often results in lazy fly balls. Bend at the knees, stand sideways and hold the bat near the shoulder opposite the pitcher's side, with your feet pointed at home plate. As the pitcher is about to release the pitch, stride toward him with your front foot and begin to shift your momentum in that direction. If the pitch appears hittable, turn your hips and forcefully bring your arms through the batting zone. By hitting the ball with the sweet spot of the bat -- the thickest part of the barrel -- you'll achieve more distance on your hits.
Suicide Squeeze
The suicide squeeze bunt is another way to bring a runner home from third base. It works best when the first and third basemen are positioned well beyond the edge of the infield grass. As the pitcher begins his wind-up, pivot your body and bring your back shoulder forward so that it's nearly parallel with your front shoulder. Move your bottom hand to the portion of the bat where handle becomes a barrel. Hold it with a pinch-like grip with your thumb and index finger, so that no part of your hand or finger is exposed to the pitch. Drop the head of the bat so that it sits horizontally, and allow the pitch to tap the bat. By the time the fielders have converged on the ball, your runner will be crossing the plate.
Other Methods
With men on base and two outs, managers sometimes will order a hit-and-run to try and spark a rally. In this play, the runner or runners head for the next base as soon as the pitcher delivers the pitch. It's imperative that the batter makes contact, regardless of whether the pitch seems hittable. When a batter misses on a hit-and-run, the runners often are easily gunned down at the next base. The hit-and-run forces infielders to cover the bases, creating holes through which the batter can hit. If you can consistently strike the ball in the direction of these vacated areas, you'll be able to parlay hit-and-runs into RBIs.
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