Why can't pitchers bat worth a darn in baseball??

Question

In baseball, why can't pitchers hit? I know they only bat in the NL, but, I mean, every kid grows up learing how to hit - so what happens in the majors?

Answer 1

For one thing, starting pitchers get in the game once every five days, and relievers almost never get to hit, as they pitch an inning or two most of the time. Starting pitchers don't really need to hit because their real value is in what they can provide on the mound. Starting pitchers that hit well are nice, such as Jason Marquis on the Cubs and Dontrelle Willis on the Marlins, but hitting isn't an important issue when considering who is a good pitcher. In addition, pitchers are frequently ordered to bunt with runners on base in order to move runners into scoring position for the top of the lineup. And then, unless a pitcher is pitching a gem and/or has used his pitches efficiently, he will be pinch hit for after two (three if the team is hitting well that game) at bats. With only around two at bats every five days, it isn't very essential for a pitcher to be a good hitter, just so long as they can get hitters out.

Answer 2

Most pitchers cant hit is because alot of them last batted on a daily basis either during HS or college, when they played other positions as well. Once they get to the Minors some are only at that level for a year or 2 such as Dontrelle Willis...others may be in the Minors for 8 or 9 seasons and since most pitchers from the Minor Leagues on up aren't involved in full BP workouts...they cant adjust or readjust to Major League pitching. But sometimes it's the batting stance that plays a factor as well since most AL pitchers look awkward and uncomfortable batting...and most pitchers the reason they are pitching is because they weren't the best batting and found their nitch on the mound

Answer 3

Pitchers only bat once every 5 days if they are a starter, and then usually only get 2 at bats per game so they dont have the routine practice needed to be consistent. Relievers are worse because 9 times outta 10 they never even get an at bat. Not too mention that only the National league pitchers even bat at all.
Pitchers training usually consists of bunt practicing and/or sacrifice situational hitting, so even if they are great talents in batting their timing is never in sync because of lack of time at the plate. Plus their overall training is pitching in the bigs, no time for much else.

Answer 4

Pitchers can't hit in the majors anymore for 2 reasons.

1) They spend all of their time practicing their pitching

2) If they can hit, they get moved to the outfield so they can get AB's in more than 1 out of every 5 games.

Answer 5

not all pitchers started young. many stared later and hadn;t an interest in BB as youngsters.

Dontrell Willis and Don Drysdale, are examples of very good hitting pitchers. Seaver was fair. Bob Buhl was the worst ever.

Not for nothing, but hitting major league pitching is really tough,. Ron Gardenhire, manager of the Twins was a Mets SS who for one full season hit under .200.

Answer 6

not in any respect say not in any respect... There a superb variety of hitting pitchers. That aside, pitchers do not make investments a lot time in batting practice, because that his contribution to the crew's fulfillment will extra in all likelihood be on the mound.

Answer 7

Pitchers are not really required to power bat. They need to save their arm for pitching.

Answer 8

Pitchers spend most of their time perfecting their pitching and studying batter charts, that way when the pitcher faces a certain batter, he knows how to pitch.

Answer 9

if pitchers could hit, it means they would be on base much more often.... in that case, too many pitchers would injure themselves on the basepaths...

that and once you leave college or high school for the bigs, you specialize in one or the other...

Answer 10

they are pitchers. they dont need to worry about pulling a hammy, or fouling a ball of their thigh or whatever. batting isnt what they are playing baseball for.