Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB’s Non-Negotiable Ritual

By Tal Venada

Aug 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) signs autographs before action against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. The Washington Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) signs autographs before action against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. The Washington Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Herrera Demonstrates from 2nd Base the Reason to Think Before Each Pitch. Photo by John Geliebter - USA TODAY Sports.
Herrera Demonstrates from 2nd Base the Reason to Think Before Each Pitch. Photo by John Geliebter – USA TODAY Sports. /

In many discussions, one easy scapegoat for the length of the game is the hitter’s ritual between each pitch. Is that even necessary? Yes, but no broadcaster has enough time to explain this complex dynamic, which many fans aren’t even aware of. Ergo, this article.

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT:   “Sportswriters are what make sports great and fun to watch.” – Derek Jeter"

If you picture a chess match, you see a board, pieces and two participants staring endlessly at the contest in progress. You don’t need anyone to explain the mental gymnastics before you. Now, imagine a baseball diamond with uniformed personnel, and you are the chess master overseeing the action between each move or pitch. Yes, they’re neither stationary nor playing.

"IN OTHER WORDS:      “Chess is war over the board. The object is to crush the opponent’s mind.” – Bobby Fischer"

For argument’s sake, the batter is center fielder Odubel Herrera of the Philadelphia Phillies because he is the recipient of many complaints for long at-bats. But why do stars adjust their batting gloves, tap the dirt off their spikes, secure their helmet and get their swing just right between every single offering? They’re thinking,

"IN OTHER WORDS:      “You can’t think and hit the ball at the same time.” – Yogi Berra"

Home/MLB News