I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

[Geronimo22]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

Updated 1st post. Point 1C in green


C. Slow it down when you're batting - Recently, I've allowed the batter to go through his automatic routine in between pitches. Instead of pressing X right after the pitch, I don't press anything. Some guys step out of the box all the time, some don't at all. Doing this slows the game down mentally for me. Just missed badly at a pitch in the dirt? Use the time to calm yourself down. I really like it for thinking about the sequence of pitches I'm seeing in that at bat. I've started to be more in tune to what the pitchers strategy is vs my team or individual hitters. The games take a bit longer to play this way, but they are also more relaxing. I'd rather play less good games, then more frustrating games. It's been working for me and you will see your average go up if you use this method.

[Geronimo22]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

Edited and Updated 1st Post! (June 23, 2011)

I remodeled and revamped the entire OP (Instead of starting a new thread). After a second slump I turned to research of real baseball coaches, players advice and strategy to help build confidence again, and have fun hitting in The Show! I've starting using this research and it's already helped me self evaluate my poor at bats, reduce chases and strikeouts, and most importantly; get closer to the simple state of mind of "See the ball, Hit the ball".

Please give your opinions or comments or dislikes to the brand new OP.

[PatriotJames]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

Good stuff as always Geronimo. I went down to rookie hitting and veteran pitching and I'm having a fun 3rd season on The Show. My friends make fun of me but it works for me. I'm 3-2 currently. Only thing I've really noticed on Rookie hitting is being able to check swings better and has stopped me from those miserable chases for strike 3.

I think this years Rookie-Veteran is equal to MLB 10's Veteran-All-Star (batting-pitching). I have no idea how these guys play on HOF.

Anyways, good stuff!

[Geronimo22]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

Good stuff as always Geronimo. I went down to rookie hitting and veteran pitching and I'm having a fun 3rd season on The Show. My friends make fun of me but it works for me. I'm 3-2 currently. Only thing I've really noticed on Rookie hitting is being able to check swings better and has stopped me from those miserable chases for strike 3.

I think this years Rookie-Veteran is equal to MLB 10's Veteran-All-Star (batting-pitching). I have no idea how these guys play on HOF.

Anyways, good stuff!

Thanks PatriotJames, I appreciate it. I jumped around from Vet, to AS, and even to HOF, to find out that I had success and failure on all of the levels. I used just about every one's sliders too, and got the same thing, success and failure. That made me wonder, is it all about the difficulty levels or more about the guy holding the controller? It was about the guy holding the controller....

Last week I was playing games and striking out 15+ times and Chasing 20+ balls. It was because I wasn't looking at the right things and not taking smart approaches at the plate.

For example I just finished an exhibition game (yeah I should be sleeping, but I'm an addict), batting with both teams. Playing on AS with all default settings; between the two teams I averaged 8 strikeouts, only chased 13 pitches, swung at 50% of the pitches, and the CPU throw 66% strikes for the game. Those are the stats I always look at too see if they are close MLB average. Amazing how default worked out pretty close when I tried to play with a realistic thought process. I had some good hard hits, but it each teams defense was just on the money robbing shots all over the place, resulting in a low scoring 2-1 game. But I can go to bed knowing I played my *** off. "All you can do is get your pitch - and hit it hard. The rest is out of your hands." - Don Mattingly

And the most satisfying part was, in the bottom of the 9th, I hit the game winner, when after getting 2 straight 96 MPH FB's called balls, on the 2-0 I changed my core strategy that I posted on page 1 (looking for FB's and reacting to the change). I took a chance and changed my timing trigger to anticipate a change up, got it, and drilled it against the RF wall for a walk off RBI double. This is something I planned on posting about tomorrow - when to alter your approach at the plate and when not too...

[Dogbarian]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

Nice table/spreadsheet, Geronimo. I haven't figured out how to make a table in a reply yet. Did you paste that in, or construct it?

[Geronimo22]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

Nice table/spreadsheet, Geronimo. I haven't figured out how to make a table in a reply yet. Did you paste that in, or construct it?

Thanks. I made the spreadsheet on excel, saved it as a jpeg, uploaded it to flickr, and inserted a photo into my posting.

[Russell_SCEA]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

I think this game cheats and has built in slumps no matter what you do.

I can't buy runs right now.....and I replay a lot of swings I feel I was right on that I strike out on.....the ball goes RIGHT THROUGH THE BAT.

This game is great, but the game cheats and will screw you and I'm not sure how to avoid it. I swing and the ball goes through my bat and it strikes me out, but I'm throwing the CPU balls a foot outside the strike zone and it's CRUSHING home runs off me.

I don't think this is a problem that can be solved by tinkering with the sliders either. The game just cheats. Plain and simple. I'm not bitter or complaining because I "suck" at the game either.....unless the replay is glitched and not a true REPLAY of what happened, balls are going THROUGH my bats and I should be hitting those balls, or at the very least fouling out to stay alive.

I get struck out 10+ times most games and I'd say most of them are the game screwing me. I have a very good eye, I don't chase at hardly anything and all I see this game do is strike me out on balls that go through my bat on the replay.

I don't really know what to do. My timing seems perfect but either the game or replay is glitched or the game is just deciding to screw me.

There is no such code in the game for the cpu to cheat. Period what so ever it does not exist. The replay's are compressed, because of this you will see graphical anomalies sometimes like the ball going through the bat.

[chrishthomas]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

I think this game cheats and has built in slumps no matter what you do.

I can't buy runs right now.....and I replay a lot of swings I feel I was right on that I strike out on.....the ball goes RIGHT THROUGH THE BAT.

This game is great, but the game cheats and will screw you and I'm not sure how to avoid it. I swing and the ball goes through my bat and it strikes me out, but I'm throwing the CPU balls a foot outside the strike zone and it's CRUSHING home runs off me.

I don't think this is a problem that can be solved by tinkering with the sliders either. The game just cheats. Plain and simple. I'm not bitter or complaining because I "suck" at the game either.....unless the replay is glitched and not a true REPLAY of what happened, balls are going THROUGH my bats and I should be hitting those balls, or at the very least fouling out to stay alive.

I get struck out 10+ times most games and I'd say most of them are the game screwing me. I have a very good eye, I don't chase at hardly anything and all I see this game do is strike me out on balls that go through my bat on the replay.

I don't really know what to do. My timing seems perfect but either the game or replay is glitched or the game is just deciding to screw me.

I am a bit reluctant to quote from this post because I don't want the thread to get locked because someone mentioned CPU cheating, but I hope my response can be taken in context and the thread can continue because there is good information in here.

In general the posts in the thread about being more patient and striving to have productive at bats are good food for thought, and even if certain readers don't think certain approaches will work for them, at least the information is out there and we can all examine our own tendencies in relation to what other posters have faced, and how they have adapted.

But, as it relates to slumps, and feeling like the CPU may be cheating. There are certainly times on the defensive side of play when I feel like the CPU has suddenly taken on superhuman traits...a two-out, two-strike hit almost always turns into multiple hits in a row (often times on the first pitch of the next few at bats--which isn't the general trend for the CPU)...but, I try not to focus on this, and just do my best to work out of the jam, even if I feel like the odds are stacked against me (either fairly or unfairly).

However, when it comes to offensive slumps and lack of production, I think what some of us fail to remember is the unique single-user interface of video games versus a live game consisting of 9 individual team members.

For example, in real life, on a night when Paul Koenerko might be distracted, and hence having trouble picking up the ball because he's tired, he's got issues at home, he's focused on contract matters, whatever it may be that's preventing him from fully focusing on the ball...those same issues aren't going to be affecting his 8 teammates. Adam Dunn, Carlos Quentin, Rios, Gordo, AJ...they are all individuals who will be performing that night based upon their own unique physical/cognitive state. One might be hot and seeing the ball better than he has his whole career, another might be tinkering with his swing and his timing might be slightly off. But the point is, 9 individuals whose performance is relatively independent of one another.

But with a video game...if I'm tired when I start the game, and I'm having trouble reacting to 95mph fastballs, then I am going to be late with everyone. Or, if I'm having trouble reading pitches or gauging where the strike zone is, then I'm going to have late recognition or chase pitches for most of, if not all of, my at-bats. If I've lost 2 or 3 in a row, and I'm determined to turn it around, there's a good chance that I'll be tense entering the game, and probably be anxious or overly aggressive at the plate trying to produce big hits (with all of my batters), and will probably end up dropping that 3rd or 4th game in a row.

I think this effect is more pronounced for baseball games than for any other sports game out there due to the fine-grained timing needed in the batting interface. And to the degree that we overlook it, we tend to attribute our difficulty to the CPU cheating.

[Geronimo22]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

I am a bit reluctant to quote from this post because I don't want the thread to get locked because someone mentioned CPU cheating, but I hope my response can be taken in context and the thread can continue because there is good information in here.

In general the posts in the thread about being more patient and striving to have productive at bats are good food for thought, and even if certain readers don't think certain approaches will work for them, at least the information is out there and we can all examine our own tendencies in relation to what other posters have faced, and how they have adapted.

But, as it relates to slumps, and feeling like the CPU may be cheating. There are certainly times on the defensive side of play when I feel like the CPU has suddenly taken on superhuman traits...a two-out, two-strike hit almost always turns into multiple hits in a row (often times on the first pitch of the next few at bats--which isn't the general trend for the CPU)...but, I try not to focus on this, and just do my best to work out of the jam, even if I feel like the odds are stacked against me (either fairly or unfairly).

However, when it comes to offensive slumps and lack of production, I think what some of us fail to remember is the unique single-user interface of video games versus a live game consisting of 9 individual team members.

For example, in real life, on a night when Paul Koenerko might be distracted, and hence having trouble picking up the ball because he's tired, he's got issues at home, he's focused on contract matters, whatever it may be that's preventing him from fully focusing on the ball...those same issues aren't going to be affecting his 8 teammates. Adam Dunn, Carlos Quentin, Rios, Gordo, AJ...they are all individuals who will be performing that night based upon their own unique physical/cognitive state. One might be hot and seeing the ball better than he has his whole career, another might be tinkering with his swing and his timing might be slightly off. But the point is, 9 individuals whose performance is relatively independent of one another.

But with a video game...if I'm tired when I start the game, and I'm having trouble reacting to 95mph fastballs, then I am going to be late with everyone. Or, if I'm having trouble reading pitches or gauging where the strike zone is, then I'm going to have late recognition or chase pitches for most of, if not all of, my at-bats. If I've lost 2 or 3 in a row, and I'm determined to turn it around, there's a good chance that I'll be tense entering the game, and probably be anxious or overly aggressive at the plate trying to produce big hits (with all of my batters), and will probably end up dropping that 3rd or 4th game in a row.

I think this effect is more pronounced for baseball games than for any other sports game out there due to the fine-grained timing needed in the batting interface. And to the degree that we overlook it, we tend to attribute our difficulty to the CPU cheating.

Well said and I agree with you christhomas on two fronts:

1) I DON'T want this thread to go in the direction of CPU cheating
2) There are so many factors that produce the outcomes of games, most people don't look at their own skill and ability as why they lost the game. You don't see people complaining when they strike out 20 times but still win with a walk off homer! It's human nature to point fingers at everyone else but yourself. We need to self analyze our own performance and ability daily.

And for those who are hard headed pessimist and doubt the programmers intent; Russell confirmed there is no cheat code. Very much appreciated Russell!

The good news is that clears up what we SHOULD be concentrating on - Are we doing everything possible to get better at playing the game? Now let's get back to talking about hitting crap out of the ball. LOL

[Geronimo22]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

I'm going continue to update the 1st post but also put my latest topics here in the normal thread. These way the posts can be followed by most recent in detail or by referring back to the first post

-----
The Starting Point - To Be a Good Hitter You Must Do These 3 Things!

1. Recognize the pitch

1. Find where the pitch is being released. First look at the pitcher or a spot in the background of the stadium. You will need to have your eyes in that vacinity, when the pitcher starts his motion. Make sure to see the release point of the pitchers hand as soon as he throws it. This will be the beginning of pitch recognition and the sooner and longer you can see the baseball, the more it will help you. Don't get distracted or forget this step. You must see the ball being released every time. Make this a habit.
2. Trust your Right Side of Your Brain. Most Likely it's Right!. Realistically you will need to try to pick up as much info as you can while the ball is during its first half of flight. Even though the great ball players can see the ball longer (until up 5 feet before the plate). But understand, no player can have a true analytical process during this time. You don't have enough time to do it. You have to use the right side of your brain and it becomes more of feel and recognition of a pitch you saw before. This is why Ted Williams always said "Never swing at a pitch you haven't seen before". From recall you will know the velocity, how much it will break and where it's going to break.

2. Hitting is Timing
Timing is the most important factor that will get you solid hard base hits. Just as important to getting base hits, good timing is the only way you can still hit balls out of the strike zone, which is very important in 2 strike counts. If you have poor timing and you will miss and strike out a lot.

Once you recognize the pitch type you will have to time the swing
1. Faster than normal - Those 95mph guys who throw Gas!
2. Normal - Low 90 fastball
3. Very slight hesitation – Mid 80's stuff - 2 Seamers, Sinkers, and Sliders
4. Hesitation –70's Stuff - Curve Ball and Slow Changes

If you noticed, this timing concept is based off timing the fastball and react to the breaking and change balls. You can't catch up to a fastball but you can slow down for a change up. Basically you will need to use your hesitation or "keep your hands back" reaction to hit the slow stuff. You also will be forced to change your timing trigger for different pitchers (starters game by game and relievers in the same game). This is why the timing drill in the batting cages is the most important drill to do. Use different pitchers, different batters and learn how to adjust and vary your timing trigger.

3. Visualize your pitch and Think Yes, Yes, Yes (No) on every Pitch!
Go into every pitch thinking "I’m going to be swinging and hit the ball". This has to be what you're thinking on every pitch! As you start your leg kick and you see the release point, you are thinking Yes, Yes or Swing, Swing.... and your final YES as you start your swing and IF the pitch is where you want it (in the strike zone or where you want it). The only thing that changes your thought of Yes, Yes, YES would be a Yes, Yes, NO response because you saw the pitch its not where you want it (out of the strike zone or your hot zone), so you hold back your swing and watch the pitch go by. So in other words, you're anticipating a strike on every pitch during your leg kick and only choosing not to swing at the last moment. Note that some pitches way out of the zone you can cancel your thoughts of swinging sooner (for example a low and outside fastball is easy to cancel early). But overall, if you don't do this and look for pitches to be balls FIRST and try to react to the STRIKES, you will always be late!

Check out this you tube of this youth coach talking about this concept ---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTNzuLlBjbw

[Geronimo22]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

Update June 23rd, 2011

Approach at the plate____________________________________

The 0-0 count

There are two schools of thought about this pitch. Some of the great hitters adopt the position that they want to look at the first pitch. See what the pitchers got. Get a gauge for his speed, etc. Their thought process is that if hitting is timing they will be in a better position to time their swing.

Another approach which I think is good for guys deeper in the lineup or any batter later in the game is swing on the first pitch. Pitchers are instructed to get ahead in the count! "First pitch, first strike, first out", “Get ahead, then you can nibble” are what most pitching coaches are preaching. Because of this philosophy most first pitches are going to be "good pitches to hit." If that’s the case then treat the 0-0 pitch like a 2-0 pitch. Look for a fastball in your "zone." If you get it. . .smash it. Swing hard at this pitch and maybe even aim for the fences. If you miss it, it’s 0-1 and you have two strikes left. If the pitch is not to your liking, let it go by. Plus, you had a chance to "look" at one to see what the pitcher has, you just choice to swing at it. Very often the first pitch in an at-bat is the best pitch you will see, so why not swing. If you live by the philosophy to always "take" that pitch, guess how many times you will start out 0-1? A lot. Pitchers are not dummies. If you show a tendency, believe me they will try to exploit it.

Because there is always a counter reaction to every strategy, eventually you will be known for crushing the first pitch fastball, so two things will happen.

1) They won’t give you a very good pitch to hit very often. Which means you will probably be ahead in the count 1-0 (depending on the umpire, or the quality of the pitch).
Or
2) Two, you will see plenty of breaking and off-speed pitches on the first pitch. Which, again, the smart hitter can adjust to if he wishes and start looking breaking ball on 0-0.

Overall, using the philosophy of looking for that meatball on 0-9 I have gotten about 2-3 more hits per game off first pitch, pitches. It feels so good to grove a pitch right back up the middle to start off an at bat.

[PatriotJames]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

Geronimo - got any tips for hitting more home-runs? I get soooo close but it dies like 10-20 feet before the fence with decent contact.

[Geronimo22]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

Geronimo - got any tips for hitting more home-runs? I get soooo close but it dies like 10-20 feet before the fence with decent contact.

I don't have a proven answer, but I have messing around with the idea that I should use the power more often. Guys talk about only using it 1-3 times a whole game... I think you should use it more like 5-10, depending on the situation. With less than 2 strikes, why not look for your pitch, where you like it, and if you get it, swing for the fences...

I think the big thing is, if you don't get your pitch, don't swing or chase. Easier said then done, I know!

[C_Bailey24]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

Good stuff in this thread but i still can't get out my slump...which basically started the day i bought the game. I score over 2 runs about once every 20 games. Tried different batting cams including my own and i just can't get comfortable at the plate. I'm at my wits end with this game.

[Geronimo22]

Re: I'm out my HITTING SLUMP and HERE'S WHY...

Good stuff in this thread but i still can't get out my slump...which basically started the day i bought the game. I score over 2 runs about once every 20 games. Tried different batting cams including my own and i just can't get comfortable at the plate. I'm at my wits end with this game.

Could it be that you have tried too many different things, too fast, trying to improve overnight?. Maybe you should just focus on getting better at one part of your game at time?

For example, I've learned that if you can't time your swing you will never be a good hitter. So that's what I've been concentrating on as of late. That means, pick one batting style (I use timing), find a camera you like (I use a custom offset to the outside), and just play a lot.

Guys have told me to do this in the past:

1) Use practice mode
2) Play in a franchise for with a team you don't like, knowing its just practice so you wont get made that your fav player is hitting .180
3) Play exhibition games (I like to use the online rosters and play a current game that is happening in real life)
4) Play games where you bat with both teams and just hit.

I think their should a rule for all new players to the game - If you really want to get better at hitting - You must pick something you think you need to improve on, and you must get at least 1000 at bats (About 30 games), with the same settings, focusing on one thing before you give up. If you don't see improvement then you can stop trying.

Also lets talk about what you need work on... Or PM me... or anybody else on the board you think might be able to help