Batting (baseball)

In baseball, batting is the act of facing the opposing pitcher and trying to produce offense for one's team.

They may draw a walk if they receive and do not swing the bat at four pitches located outside the strike zone.

Some are aggressive hitters, usually swinging at the first pitch (as pitchers often attempt to throw a first-pitch strike).

Warming up before the game is usually done as a team, at the amateur level, and focuses on helping the hitter get in the correct mindset to hit the ball.

[4] There are also various hitting devices used during warm-up in the "on deck circle" to try and increase the batter's bat velocity.

Heavy warm-up loads stimulate the neural system, allowing for increased muscle activation during lighter bat swings.

The use of weighted bats is based on the theory of complex training where sets of heavier and lighter resistances are alternated to increase muscle performance.

The additional weight may also help strengthen the muscles of the forearms and wrist thus increasing bat velocity,[9] though some evidence suggests that the effect is psychological rather than biomechanical.

During the game, the only way to change the lineup is via substitution, as batting out of turn is not allowed.

The majority of wooden baseball bats today are made from northern white ash harvested from Pennsylvania or New York.

Maple bats cost more than white ash, but they often last longer as a result of their high strength.

[citation needed] In addition to the Louisville Slugger, there are many other types of bats that have been used throughout the history of baseball.