Why does it matter where you hit in the batting order (baseball)?

Question

I know it affects runs and RBI's, but really, is it an insult to hit 8th as opposed to 3rd?

Answer 1

I DO NOT know alot about baseball, but my fiance plays softball and i just so happened to recently listen to a conversation on this matter. What i gathered is that sometimes they make the order based on "batting style". For instance, if you are a base-hitter, they may have you closer in the line-up, and try and get the bases loaded. And then, put the home-run hitters up so that they can get the guys on the bases into home?? Hope that makes sense and doesnt just sound like a silly girl talking :)

Answer 2

Normally a 3rd place hitter makes more contact and has more power than an 8th place hitter. I hit 8th before and I hit leadoff before. It didn't make a difference to myself, but it must've for the coach to move me around the line-up.  

Answer 3

1. speed, average, contact

2. speed, average, contact, tiny bit of power

3. power and RBIs, patience

4. power and lots of RBIs, patience

5. good average and good power, RBIs

6. average, decent power

7. average, contact

8. average, contact

9. pitcher/get on base for top of order, speed

There actually is a lot of strategy to it. This is generally how  look at it and if you look at most teams it will usually look something like this.

Answer 4

Well that is a good question and it is up to the manager but in a standard lineup with designated hitter it normally look likes this:

1. Good speed and on base percentage.

2. Good contact above average speed.

3.Great contact above average power.

4. Average contact Great Power.

5. Great contact average power.

6.average power and contact.

7.average power and contact

8.average power and contact

9. worst hitter on team OR 2nd fastest runner.

Answer 5

there's actually a lot to this.. and every team runs a different system.. but basically 8th means you're gonna get less bats than number 3.  8th can also be used for slumping batter to regain himself

Answer 6

It can be. For example, in the NL, where pitchers hit ... in critical situations early in the game, you, as the number 8 hitter are more likely to be pitched around. The other team would more likely face the opposing pitcher rather than someone who is more of a threat.

Now, sometimes players will take it as an insult if they have batted higher in the order and are suddenly dropped to the 8 slot - whether they're in a slump, a manager's decision, etc. It's perceived that 3-4-5 are the high profile batting order slots, followed by 1-2-6

Answer 7

Typically the batting order has three sections. 1-2 are the "on-base" guys and have the best chance of scoring a run (good hitters and the best speed), 3-6 are the heart of the line-up, drive in all the runs and are the "all-stars" (good power and situational hitters), and the 7-9 guys carry the batting order around again (good overall players who get the job done). For most teams, the best batters are in the top half of the order simply because chances are they will get up to the plate more often. And lets face it, don't you want the best hitters up more? The truth is, if you are in the starting line-up, its definitely NOT an insult. Whether you bat first or ninth, it doesn't matter. You're placed in the line-up based on your best skill.  

Answer 8

Its not really an insult to be batting 8th rather than 3rd. Really people may be more suited for batting 8th. 8th is usually for someone who may be slumping or not having a great bat. Or for a young rookie just entering the big leagues for a bit. Yes you would probably wan't to bat 3rd over 8th but. It doesn't really matter. You will get more at bats batting 3rd but you can't put batters who are supose to be 8th abtting 3rd and vice versa.