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How Did Keith Hernandez’s Approach to Hitting Evolve?
Keith Hernandez, a name synonymous with excellence in Major League Baseball (MLB), is often remembered not just for his defensive prowess at first base but also for his unique approach to hitting. Over his 17-year career, Hernandez transformed his batting style, adapting to the changing dynamics of the game and his own physical capabilities. This article explores the evolution of Hernandez’s hitting approach, highlighting key phases, techniques, and the impact of his adjustments on his performance.
The Early Years: A Natural Talent
Hernandez began his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974. As a young player, he relied heavily on his natural talent and instincts.
. His early hitting style was characterized by:
- Contact Hitting: Hernandez focused on making contact rather than hitting for power. He had a keen eye for the ball, which allowed him to maintain a high batting average.
- Line Drive Approach: His swing was designed to produce line drives, which often resulted in base hits rather than home runs.
- Situational Hitting: Hernandez was adept at adjusting his approach based on the game situation, often prioritizing getting on base over driving in runs.
During this period, Hernandez’s batting average hovered around .300, showcasing his ability to hit consistently. In 1979, he won the National League batting title with a .344 average, solidifying his reputation as a premier hitter.
Transitioning to Power: The Mid-Career Shift
As Hernandez entered the 1980s, he recognized the need to adapt his hitting style to remain competitive. This period marked a significant evolution in his approach:
- Increased Power Hitting: Hernandez began to incorporate more power into his swing, aiming for extra-base hits. He adjusted his stance and swing mechanics to generate more lift.
- Plate Discipline: He developed a better understanding of the strike zone, leading to improved walk rates. This discipline allowed him to wait for pitches he could drive.
- Use of the Whole Field: Hernandez learned to hit to all fields, making him a more versatile threat at the plate. This adjustment helped him exploit defensive alignments.
By the time he joined the New York Mets in 1983, Hernandez had transformed into a more complete hitter. His power numbers increased, and he consistently drove in runs, contributing to the Mets’ success in the mid-1980s.
Mastering the Mental Game: The Final Years
In the latter part of his career, Hernandez’s approach to hitting became increasingly cerebral. He focused on the mental aspects of the game, which included:
- Pitch Recognition: Hernandez honed his ability to recognize pitches early, allowing him to make quicker decisions at the plate.
- Game Situations: He became adept at understanding the context of each at-bat, adjusting his approach based on the pitcher, score, and inning.
- Preparation and Study: Hernandez emphasized the importance of studying opposing pitchers and their tendencies, which informed his hitting strategy.
This mental evolution culminated in a career that saw Hernandez finish with a .296 batting average, 2,182 hits, and 1,071 runs batted in. His ability to adapt and refine his approach was instrumental in his success and longevity in the league.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Keith Hernandez’s Hitting Evolution
Keith Hernandez’s journey as a hitter is a testament to the importance of adaptability in sports. From his early years as a contact hitter to his later focus on power and mental acuity, Hernandez exemplified how a player can evolve to meet the challenges of the game. His career statistics reflect not only his talent but also his willingness to learn and grow. As baseball continues to evolve, Hernandez’s approach serves as a valuable case study for aspiring players and coaches alike.
For more insights into the evolution of hitting in baseball, you can explore resources like Baseball Almanac and MLB.com.