Baseball is a game of strategy at every level. Whether playing recreational league, high school, college or professional baseball, there are elements of strategy involved in every pitch and play. Having a productive at-bat can mean more than getting a base hit or driving in a run. Gleaning information from the pitcher or sacrificing a runner into scoring position can be a positive benefit to your team.
Base Hit
Hit the ball into play and earn a base hit. This is, obviously, the most positive result from an at-bat and results in your team's run expectancy increasing when you get on base.
Draw A Walk
Select the pitch you want to hit carefully. If the pitcher doesn't offer it and is constantly out of the strike zone, lay off and wait for your opportunity. Four balls equals first base for the batter, and in many situations, earning a base runner is just as good as a hit.
See The Pitches
Foul off pitches that are not ideal, and work the count to get an idea of every possible pitch the pitcher is willing to throw. This can help both you and your teammates, especially early in the game, because there will be no element of surprise later on.
Move The Runner
Bunt the ball in the proper position with a runner on first base. This will ensure that the runner gets to second base, into scoring position. Or, if a runner is on third base with less than two outs, hit the ball to the right side of the infield. The play at the plate from the right side is difficult, and this will usually ensure that the run scores.
Sacrifice Fly
Drive a fly ball to the outfield with a runner on third base and less than two outs. If you hit the ball deep enough, the runner can tag up from third base and score on the play.
Take One For The Team
Stand close to the plate and allow a pitch that comes inside to hit you. You are awarded first base, along with rattling the pitcher and providing inspiration to your teammates that you are a tough-minded competitor.
Hit It Hard
Drive the ball hard someplace -- either on the ground or on a line drive. Hard-hit balls are difficult to field, and even if the defense records an out, you put them on notice for your next at-bat. Pitchers will pitch around batters that drive the ball hard every time.
Increase Your Knowledge
Pick up any information from the pitcher that you can. Gauge the speed and break of his pitches, and see if anything is different from when he throws a fastball versus a curveball. If you can gain new information to make subsequent at bats a success, you have had a productive at-bat.
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