Tips on How to Hit

Collapse

Recommended Videos

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • dvazquez190
    Rookie
    • Sep 2008
    • 203

    #91
    Re: Tips on How to Hit

    Originally posted by Biizz713
    I just don't know how you're supposed to tell if a breaking ball is going to be way off the plate. the change ups look like meatballs and all of a sudden they're in the dirt. the sliders look like fastballs and all of a sudden it's 5 feet off the plate.

    it's really frustrating. if it looks good and I swing, whiff. if I wait a split second to see if it's breaking, it's a fastball right down the middle.
    This is where knowing the game of baseball becomes important. Out of all the Sims I play (NBA 2K, The Show, A little of Madden) I find The Show is the most difficult to play without knowing the sport. I could play MyCareer in 2K without knowing much basketball (though i'm an avid basketball fan so it doesn't matter). Play art shows where you should be, the controls are simple, and you can grasp how to play. Football is simple (Unless you play at higher difficulties). You throw or run the ball. Hitting is a science, no matter if it's in real life or in a video game. You can't treat The Show strictly like a video game because you will be unsuccessful.

    Now i'm not saying you don't know baseball, I don't know you lol. What i'm saying is if you don't know baseball you will have a difficult time. If you do know baseball than start taking into consideration the count. If you do you'll find you'll be able to start discerning what pitches are what and where they will land a lot better. For Example

    0-0: Fresh Count. The pitcher can throw anything. Depending on sliders i'd say about 65% of the time pitchers will be trying to get ahead in the count so you'll see a strike. About 40% of the time it will be a FB variation (FB, Cutter, 2 Seam, Sinker). Your goal is to look for a get me over mistake, and punish it. You might also want to look for that in the form of a FB.

    0-1: Again you can see anything. But the pitcher has more wiggle room. You're less likely to see a FB in this count (though you still can). You're also less likely to see a strike. Your goal is to try and work the count back even.

    0-2: The best thing about this count is that you will most likely see a ball, and it will be a breaking pitch. You should be in full protect mode. You should not be looking to hit a ball hard in this count. Your goal is to foul off anything close, and work the count back even at least.

    1-0: You're more likely to see a strike. This is an aggressive count, but not overly aggressive. You can still see a ball here. Your chances of seeing a FB jump about 10% over the 0-0 count. So you should aggressively seek it out and punish it.

    1-1: Can go either way, both location wise and pitch wise. This is one of those counts where if you are comfortable with 2 strikes, you can still seek out your pitch and location and only hit it if you get it. If you don't you can either take it for a strike or a ball. Either way it doesn't affect you much.

    1-2: Similar to the 0-2 count. You will most likely see a breaking pitch or a FB out of the zone. Protect against close pitches and work the count back even. Again this is another count where you aren't looking to hit the ball hard, just work the count in your favor.

    2-0: FB count. Get me over count. Punish this.

    2-1: You will most likely see a strike. Pitchers don't want to go 3-1. Doesn't mean you will get a FB automatically but they are more inclined to throw their best pitch so that they don't fall behind further.

    2-2: As with 2-1 a pitcher doesn't want to work the count full. You have a good chance of seeing a strike. Though at the same time a pitcher is going for the out. Look for breaking balls that are still strikes. This is the best count for them. All other counts will net breaking pitches that will most likely be out of the zone.

    3-0: Don't swing. Especially if you aren't comfortable hitting. Make him throw one over. It will most likely be fat but not always. Nothing worse than grounding or flying out 3-0.

    3-1: The best pitch you'll see of the AB. You've worked the count for this moment. Swing out of your cleats for a fat FB. If it's a change and you miss doesn't matter. You still have 3-2 to fall back on and you never EVER want to be tentative 3-1.

    3-2: There are but so many good pitches a pitcher can make. Foul off anything close, anything that looks middle hammer, anything that looks like a ball take.

    Of course there are other factors that come into play besides count. How many outs there are, how many runners on base, what base the runners currently occupy, who is pitching, all of these things can change counts. But those are the basic guidelines that you should follow when you are batting. Sorry for the long post lol.
    Last edited by dvazquez190; 05-20-2015, 10:36 AM.

    Comment

    • jinku
      Just started!
      • May 2015
      • 4

      #92
      Re: Tips on How to Hit

      Just look for pitches in places u feel u are at ur best. Right now my weakness is the high fast ball. But just be patient. And Practice. Put Kershaw on Legend hit the cages. U will get better breh

      Comment

      • Biizz713
        Pro
        • Mar 2013
        • 517

        #93
        Re: Tips on How to Hit

        Thanks for the tips. I don't know all that much about baseball. I was a casual watcher when the Astros were good, it's probably been nearly a decade since I sat down and watched a baseball game.

        I'll try to put those tips to use. Normally I don't put that much thought into the count, i'll protect when I'm down but I'm mainly trying to watch and see where the ball is going and obviously that's not working out to well for me.

        Comment

        • dvazquez190
          Rookie
          • Sep 2008
          • 203

          #94
          Re: Tips on How to Hit

          Originally posted by Biizz713
          Thanks for the tips. I don't know all that much about baseball. I was a casual watcher when the Astros were good, it's probably been nearly a decade since I sat down and watched a baseball game.

          I'll try to put those tips to use. Normally I don't put that much thought into the count, i'll protect when I'm down but I'm mainly trying to watch and see where the ball is going and obviously that's not working out to well for me.
          Watching the ball from the pitchers hand is great to utilize when you're fouling pitches off. The biggest problem with it is you tend to wait a little too long when swinging. I'd say definitely use this when you're protecting. When you're being aggressive shift from an approach where you "hawk eye" the delivery to a "spot and pounce" approach. You want to read the pitch, and location as quickly as possible so that you can put a great swing on it. Again don't worry about being fooled when you're in an aggressive count. Pitchers do make good pitches at times and you won't always look like Babe Ruth. But chances are you'll still be in the AB and live to see another pitch.

          Comment

          • iLLWiLL
            MVP
            • Jul 2002
            • 3560

            #95
            Re: Tips on How to Hit

            Originally posted by dvazquez190
            This is where knowing the game of baseball becomes important. Out of all the Sims I play (NBA 2K, The Show, A little of Madden) I find The Show is the most difficult to play without knowing the sport. I could play MyCareer in 2K without knowing much basketball (though i'm an avid basketball fan so it doesn't matter). Play art shows where you should be, the controls are simple, and you can grasp how to play. Football is simple (Unless you play at higher difficulties). You throw or run the ball. Hitting is a science, no matter if it's in real life or in a video game. You can't treat The Show strictly like a video game because you will be unsuccessful.

            Now i'm not saying you don't know baseball, I don't know you lol. What i'm saying is if you don't know baseball you will have a difficult time. If you do know baseball than start taking into consideration the count. If you do you'll find you'll be able to start discerning what pitches are what and where they will land a lot better. For Example

            0-0: Fresh Count. The pitcher can throw anything. Depending on sliders i'd say about 65% of the time pitchers will be trying to get ahead in the count so you'll see a strike. About 40% of the time it will be a FB variation (FB, Cutter, 2 Seam, Sinker). Your goal is to look for a get me over mistake, and punish it. You might also want to look for that in the form of a FB.

            0-1: Again you can see anything. But the pitcher has more wiggle room. You're less likely to see a FB in this count (though you still can). You're also less likely to see a strike. Your goal is to try and work the count back even.

            0-2: The best thing about this count is that you will most likely see a ball, and it will be a breaking pitch. You should be in full protect mode. You should not be looking to hit a ball hard in this count. Your goal is to foul off anything close, and work the count back even at least.

            1-0: You're more likely to see a strike. This is an aggressive count, but not overly aggressive. You can still see a ball here. Your chances of seeing a FB jump about 10% over the 0-0 count. So you should aggressively seek it out and punish it.

            1-1: Can go either way, both location wise and pitch wise. This is one of those counts where if you are comfortable with 2 strikes, you can still seek out your pitch and location and only hit it if you get it. If you don't you can either take it for a strike or a ball. Either way it doesn't affect you much.

            1-2: Similar to the 0-2 count. You will most likely see a breaking pitch or a FB out of the zone. Protect against close pitches and work the count back even. Again this is another count where you aren't looking to hit the ball hard, just work the count in your favor.

            2-0: FB count. Get me over count. Punish this.

            2-1: You will most likely see a strike. Pitchers don't want to go 3-1. Doesn't mean you will get a FB automatically but they are more inclined to throw their best pitch so that they don't fall behind further.

            2-2: As with 2-1 a pitcher doesn't want to work the count full. You have a good chance of seeing a strike. Though at the same time a pitcher is going for the out. Look for breaking balls that are still strikes. This is the best count for them. All other counts will net breaking pitches that will most likely be out of the zone.

            3-0: Don't swing. Especially if you aren't comfortable hitting. Make him throw one over. It will most likely be fat but not always. Nothing worse than grounding or flying out 3-0.

            3-1: The best pitch you'll see of the AB. You've worked the count for this moment. Swing out of your cleats for a fat FB. If it's a change and you miss doesn't matter. You still have 3-2 to fall back on and you never EVER want to be tentative 3-1.

            3-2: There are but so many good pitches a pitcher can make. Foul off anything close, anything that looks middle hammer, anything that looks like a ball take.

            Of course there are other factors that come into play besides count. How many outs there are, how many runners on base, what base the runners currently occupy, who is pitching, all of these things can change counts. But those are the basic guidelines that you should follow when you are batting. Sorry for the long post lol.
            I've been utilizing many of your tips the last few weeks, and have experienced much success.

            Many times when I pick up the controller to play MLB15, I just want to go in hackin', and then once I get a few quick outs in a row, I get frustrated and just start swinging at everything.

            Well ... can't really do that in baseball. Last night, I worked at improving my patience, and allowing the game to develop naturally. I stuck with playing on Dynamic difficulty, starting the night at All-Star+ (Progress ++++).

            But with last nights games I remained patient. And the end result: I promoted up to Hall of Fame+ (Progress +++). One game with the Pirates I scored 8 runs off 10 hits, including my first grand slam of the year. One game with the Phillies of all teams, I put up 6 runs on 6 hits through the first five or six innings. While the hits weren't out of the norm for me, the number of runs per hits was. The difference was all of the walks I was drawing -- and ultimately, that boosts your dynamic rating as much as an early-count single.

            While frustrating at times (especially when I feel I timed a pitched perfectly and nailed its location in the zone), I am absolutely loving the challenge this game presents ...
            Last edited by iLLWiLL; 05-20-2015, 05:04 PM.

            Comment

            • iLLWiLL
              MVP
              • Jul 2002
              • 3560

              #96
              Re: Tips on How to Hit

              And, oh, what a great feeling it is when the CPU tries to fool you with a couple curveballs, and by the third one he tries to throw you, you get the timing down and crush one over the fence!

              Comment

              • dvazquez190
                Rookie
                • Sep 2008
                • 203

                #97
                Re: Tips on How to Hit

                Originally posted by iLLWiLL
                I've been utilizing many of your tips the last few weeks, and have experienced much success.

                Many times when I pick up the controller to play MLB15, I just want to go in hackin', and then once I get a few quick outs in a row, I get frustrated and just start swinging at everything.

                Well ... can't really do that in baseball. Last night, I worked at improving my patience, and allowing the game to develop naturally. I stuck with playing on Dynamic difficulty, starting the night at All-Star+ (Progress ++++).

                But with last nights games I remained patient. And the end result: I promoted up to Hall of Fame+ (Progress +++). One game with the Pirates I scored 8 runs off 10 hits, including my first grand slam of the year. One game with the Phillies of all teams, I put up 6 runs on 6 hits through the first five or six innings. While the hits weren't out of the norm for me, the number of runs per hits was. The difference was all of the walks I was drawing -- and ultimately, that boosts your dynamic rating as much as an early-count single.

                While frustrating at times (especially when I feel I timed a pitched perfectly and nailed its location in the zone), I am absolutely loving the challenge this game presents ...
                I'm glad you're seeing improvement. I actually shy'd away from Franchise a few weeks ago and focused on RTTS. Well my team made a dumb as all Hell trade so I started a franchise last night. I have to remember to be patient while pitching because that's where I tend to lose it lol.

                Comment

                • forme95
                  MVP
                  • Nov 2013
                  • 3118

                  #98
                  Re: Tips on How to Hit

                  Patients really is the key this year. I still get caught on the low pitches (CB and Changes) but I am going a lot deeper in counts and it is showing in my avg's. Pissed off wife, but its all I have been working on today lol.
                  Really wish sports games played to ratings!
                  Only thing SIM about sports games now, are the team name and players
                  CFB 25 The absolute GOAT!!!
                  MLB 23 FOREVER 20 is better, 23 just for Guardians
                  Madden get rid of the extras (SS/XF, HFA, media, scenarios, game plan) or turn them down considerably.

                  Comment

                  • iLLWiLL
                    MVP
                    • Jul 2002
                    • 3560

                    #99
                    Re: Tips on How to Hit

                    Originally posted by dvazquez190
                    I'm glad you're seeing improvement. I actually shy'd away from Franchise a few weeks ago and focused on RTTS. Well my team made a dumb as all Hell trade so I started a franchise last night. I have to remember to be patient while pitching because that's where I tend to lose it lol.
                    How ironic. I started MLB15 exclusively in RTTS. Redesigned my player from scratch, got to the majors after 1 season. Then, realizing that I could play Season Mode to earn Training Points for my RTTS player, I started playing Season Mode.

                    Now, I've accumulated so many points, my RTTS player -- through 1.5 seasons -- is already rated 99. LOL. Now I don't feel there's a challenge in RTTS and I strictly play season mode, lol

                    Comment

                    • hunilnv
                      Just started!
                      • May 2015
                      • 4

                      #100
                      Re: Tips on How to Hit

                      strikes; use contact swing. Contact swing isn't a bunt, you'll get extra base hits with it, and it'll allow you to foul off pitches that you'd otherwise swing and miss.

                      Comment

                      • Smallville102001
                        All Star
                        • Mar 2015
                        • 6542

                        #101
                        Re: Tips on How to Hit

                        I am having a hard time hitting. In the past before like last year I was a all star player but I had to up the sliders to hit while enough on all star. Last year I found all star to be a little to easy on default. Right now after 20 games on Dynamic difficulty I am having a hard time getting to all star. I don't strike out much really not even enough the thing is that I am just hitting a lot of deep fly balls and balls to guys.

                        Comment

                        • dvazquez190
                          Rookie
                          • Sep 2008
                          • 203

                          #102
                          Re: Tips on How to Hit

                          Originally posted by Smallville102001
                          I am having a hard time hitting. In the past before like last year I was a all star player but I had to up the sliders to hit while enough on all star. Last year I found all star to be a little to easy on default. Right now after 20 games on Dynamic difficulty I am having a hard time getting to all star. I don't strike out much really not even enough the thing is that I am just hitting a lot of deep fly balls and balls to guys.
                          Both of those things will occur even when you're hitting well. I find the games I don't score much, I still hit the ball hard, just unlucky. If it's something that occurs too often consider a couple things.

                          First is for the balls you're hitting deep fly balls on, where was the cursor? Chances are it was underneath the ball causing it to fly out. Stronger hitters can get away with this at times. They will still hit the ball out. Weaker hitters will just fly out.

                          Second, for the balls you are hitting right to people you might consider changing your timing slightly. Hitting the ball hard is the most important thing, but if you're constantly hitting it right to people than you need to adjust your timing to compensate for that. Start off by trying to hit all pitches up the middle. As you get use to that timing, start experimenting with pulling and spraying hits. This can be done in practice so you don't ruin your RTTS/Franchise lol.

                          Comment

                          • tcorb95
                            Rookie
                            • Jul 2013
                            • 103

                            #103
                            Re: Tips on How to Hit

                            I'm very patient at the plate, I work plenty of walks. Just got 6 last game against the A's. My problem is the pitches that I feel I'm right on are always popped up or hit a mile high and come down right to the outfielder. Balls hit in the outfield are in the air sometimes for almost 10 seconds. I feel like there is no reward for having good timing. I can be right on a fastball belt high with a great hitter and its just fouled back or popped up. I understand that it's baseball and that happens but it happens way too often for my liking.

                            Comment

                            • HozAndMoose
                              MVP
                              • Mar 2013
                              • 3614

                              #104
                              Re: Tips on How to Hit

                              Originally posted by tcorb95
                              I'm very patient at the plate, I work plenty of walks. Just got 6 last game against the A's. My problem is the pitches that I feel I'm right on are always popped up or hit a mile high and come down right to the outfielder. Balls hit in the outfield are in the air sometimes for almost 10 seconds. I feel like there is no reward for having good timing. I can be right on a fastball belt high with a great hitter and its just fouled back or popped up. I understand that it's baseball and that happens but it happens way too often for my liking.


                              Are you checking to maybe sure it was actually good timing? Try raising the solid hits slider.

                              Comment

                              • tcorb95
                                Rookie
                                • Jul 2013
                                • 103

                                #105
                                Re: Tips on How to Hit

                                Originally posted by HozAndMoose
                                Are you checking to maybe sure it was actually good timing? Try raising the solid hits slider.

                                Yes, I check after each swing to see where I'm at. I've been playing with solid hits at 4 maybe going back to default will help.

                                Comment

                                Working...