If You Can Hit, You Will Play, Including Pitchers!
Offense is a crucial element to the game of softball. As players get older and reach the more advanced levels, the top nine hitters on the team will fill the spots in the batting lineup. A common question asked is, “do pitchers hit in college and beyond?” My answer and the answer that most college coaches who create the hitting lineup will give is, if you can hit, you will play. This even includes pitchers who prove they are a top-nine hitter on their team’s roster. While some college coaches allow their pitchers to bat, others may not.
Some college coaches don’t believe in letting pitchers bat because of a few reasons. First, pitchers have enough to worry about on the mound and in pitching practices, that it may be difficult to find time to do both. This usually occurs when the team relies on the pitcher as an ace who will be expected to hurl a high amount of innings. Second, like any player that steps into the box, pitchers who hit increase their chance of injury. It only takes one hit by pitch to the hands, or a misstep when running around the bases for an injury to occur. If this happens and the pitcher is taken out of the game, the team could suffer as a whole. Coaches must decide if the pitcher’s ability to produce on the offensive side outweighs the repercussions listed above.
Even though some college coaches prohibit their pitchers from being part of the offense, plenty welcome it. Some of the best Olympians and Professional players in our sport have been pitchers who contributed to both sides of the game. It’s important for pitchers who wish to be given a chance to hit at the college level, to express this interest to the coaches while they are being recruited. College coaches will typically be upfront on their beliefs about pitchers who hit. There is always the right fit, and sometimes it takes a few no’s to get a yes.
It can be very beneficial for teams who have a pitcher in the hitting lineup. Most softball pitchers are athletes and can contribute to both sides of the game and be successful. Pitchers also have a keen eye in the batter’s box. They may be able to see or pick up on something the opposing pitcher tips off and relay that flaw to their teammates. Pitchers also know and become familiar with the strike zone while on the defensive side of the game, which will carry over to when she steps into the batter’s box on offense. Pitchers who hit can often be a tough out for the opposing team, which is why many coaches put their pitchers in the batting order, to begin with.
Softball pitchers are often strong Type-A personalities. Because of this personality trait, they can excel in both the defensive and offensive sides of the game. Athletes with Type-A personalities won’t accept failure and will often work twice as hard as everyone else to ensure that they will succeed. If you are pitcher reading this article who wishes to contribute to both sides of the game at the next level, yes it is possible. Runs are precious in softball and the teams who play to win will always bat their top nine players. It still goes back to the article title and can be put simply, if you can hit, you will play.
