Summary

Today, we're diving into the world of baseball statistics with a spotlight on an essential aspect of the game: getting on base. The episode kicks off with a deep dive into on-base percentage (OBP), a stat that is crucial to any team's success. It’s not just about the numbers, though—we’re also dishing out some solid insights on the mental game and the strategy behind being a smart hitter. So grab your bat, settle in, and let’s learn how to get on base!

Podcast Partner Bios

Ethan Dungan - Owner of Glovehound Baseball Glove Repair Shop. Ethan played for several teams during his career including Midland and Fairfield High School. He now operates Glovehound from his shop in Fairfield, OH.

Rick Finley - Founder of MD&I Academy Baseball Training Facility in Fairfield, OH. Rick has successfully coached and trained hundreds of players at the Select, Travel, and College levels in both baseball and softball.

George Foster - Major League Player with the Giants, Reds, & Mets. NL MVP 1977, 5-Time All-Star, Silver Slugger and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Founder of George Foster Baseball where he offers private baseball instruction.

Timestamps:

• 00:02 - Introduction to the Complete Game Podcast
• 00:33 - Introduction to Offensive Objectives in Baseball
• 09:01 - Baseball Legends: On-Base Percentage and Hall of Fame Discussion
• 17:07 - Understanding On-Base Percentage and Scoring Runs
• 24:50 - The Seven Ways to Get on Base
• 34:32 - Strategies in Youth Baseball Coaching
• 47:10 - Understanding the Game: Baserunning and Fielder's Choice
• 48:33 - The Art of Hitting: Overcoming Fear of Strikeouts and Hit by Pitches
• 55:55 - The Art of Hitting: Lessons from George Foster
• 01:09:13 - Understanding Hitting Approaches in Baseball

Key Takeaways:

• In baseball, getting on base is not just about hits; understanding on-base percentage (OBP) is crucial for player success and team strategy.
• Ethan broke down OBP mathematically, illustrating how every player can benefit from knowing their stats, emphasizing the importance of walks and hits.
• We discussed legendary players like Joey Votto and Ted Williams, showcasing different styles of getting on base and how their approaches impacted their careers.
• A solid plate approach involves knowing your situation and being aggressive, especially when runners are on base, to increase your chances of scoring.
• The podcast emphasized that striking out isn't the end of the world, but players should prioritize putting the ball in play to help their teams win games.
• Situational hitting is vital; players should practice with purpose and simulate game conditions to develop their skills effectively.

Links:

• glovehound.com
• mdaiacademy.com
• georgefosterbaseball.com
• twocreativedigital.com

Teaser:

Next week in Part 2 of our Offensive Objectives series, we look at top strategies for moving runners.

Companies mentioned:

• Glovehound
• MDI Baseball Academy
• George Foster Baseball