Batting Tips for the Top of the Order


Each spot in the line-up has a purpose. The manager chooses a field position for each player and he also determines where each player will hit in the line-up. Here are a few batting tips for those of you in the top of the order.

Whether you already hit in the top of the order or want to hit up there, you should pay close attention to what the actual purpose of the one and two hitters are.

The first and second hitters are the players who handle the bat best and are good base runners. These are typically the guys who need to get on base so that the big hitters can move them over and hit them in.

The lead-off hitter should typically have a high on-base percentage and is really patient at the plate. He should not only get his fair share of hits, but he should also take a walk often too. Strikeouts should be minimal for this person. Rickey Henderson was a good lead-off hitter and walked more than he struck out. He also helped his team by running the bases smart which helped him score more than 2,000 runs.

The number two guy in the order is really a multi-purpose kind of player. He can hit, bunt and is often called upon for the hit and run. A couple of great number two hitters in the past were Johnny Damon, Dustin Pedroia and Shane Victorino.

The lead-off hitter should have a high on-base percentage walk more than strike out. A number two hitter should avoid hitting into double plays, should move runners over and should hit the ball really well.

Take these batting tips and really examine what type of hitter you are and how you can best help your team win.