Can anyone show me tangible proof that it exists? Is there someone whose career clutch stats shout "clutch hitter" when compared to his normal stats? Or is it another case of seeing a guy have a nice run (like Ortiz last season) and getting a reputation? Further, could it be a case of having a good hitter facing a less-than-good pitcher? Or choke pitching instead of clutch hitting?
In short, is there real proof, or is it a cliché?
2007-08-29 08:12:40 · 6 answers · asked by Craig S 7 in Sports ➔ Baseball
I tend to think it's merely a cliche. More often than not, the guys who get "clutch hits" are simply the top tier hitters. Certainly lesser players get big hits, but it's rare to see them do it more than once or twice a year. A guy like Ortiz the last few years, who is certainly a top tier hitter, does not become a better hitter just because there are two outs, it's the bottom of the 9th, etc. He came up big in several spots, but he came up big all season. As with everything in baseball, it is a combination of the batter's skill, the pitcher's skill, and a whole lotta luck.
2007-08-29 08:26:18 · answer #1 · answered by kevin r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that clutch hitting can be measured by stats as it's more the viewer's perception. As a fan, I feel the clutch situations, but they can come in any inning and at any time of the year. It has a lot lot to do with patience and waiting for the pitcher to make a mistake and then being able to capitalize on it. Clutch hitters don't miss the pitcher's mistakes in clutch situations. IMO
I don't know. I guess I just don't understand the question.
2007-08-29 16:50:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a cliche, but lots of guys perform better in the clutch situations. Ex. include David ortiz like you said, who could be the best clutch hitter in all of baseball. Also, Curt Schilling is an amazing playoff pitcher, because he gets better when the game, or season is on the line. I am sure that if you research hard enough, you could find a study on this. People perform differently when they are under pressure, and yes, there are certain individuals that excel, and that is why they get the glory.
examples of people who choke under pressure are: A-Rod, the yankees, etc.
2007-08-29 16:09:16 · answer #3 · answered by rockstar44 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe anyone can point to one, or more, players and back it up with any supporting numbers showing that a player is consistently, year after year, a clutch hitter. Jeter is hitting over .400 this year with runners in scoring position but he has also had seasons where he has hit under .200 with runners in scoring position. I really believe a good hitter will hit well in any situation over a period of time and a marginal hitter will have problems in any situation over a period of time. "Cream always rises to the top" and your better hitters are who you want at the plate in key situations.
2007-08-29 17:06:40 · answer #4 · answered by Frizzer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's 75/25, the 75 on the no clutch side.
Clutch good just mean you get lucky and come up big with a RISP with two outs or the bases loaded.
The 25 means that the delivered under big pressure, and other players cant do that.
But most of the time its just good timing in good moments.
2007-08-29 18:12:20 · answer #5 · answered by #1 New York Yankees Fan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one has been identified as having a real, repeatable ability to produce better in defined clutch situations.
And you know it.
Let's see what other voices speak up.
2007-08-29 15:19:45 · answer #6 · answered by Chipmaker Authentic 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋