Why is 3-1 considered a pitcher's count?

Question

In baseball why are 3-1 and 2-0 considered hitter's counts? How come I never hear 3-0 being considered a hitter's count since the pitcher still has to throw a strike over?

Answer 1

it depends on the situation but sometimes it actually IS considered a pitcher's count. (3-1)

The batter will have options but will probably be expecting a fastball. The batter gets fooled as he swings out of his shoes, the reply is a weak ground ball or a miss. It's basically a chance for the pitcher to catch a break while hes down.

That is only when the picher is having a good day though, so a walk isn't too big of a deal. If hes having a bad day, forget it. No chance

(edit)

ha, well since you didn't ask the right question!

normally it is a hitters count, just more options, less pressure.

Answer 2

small game time. unless the game is on the line never expect your hitters to take a walk. a team looking for a walk is a team afraid to take control of the game

Answer 3

Its not, that is a great batters count.  Any count when there are more balls then strikes is a hitters count.

Answer 4

3-1 is a batters count and 2-0 is also a batters count b/c there is more balls then strikes, when there are more strikes then balls then it's pitchers count...if there are more balls then the pitcher has to through a strike and all the batter has to do is figure out what what he/she's gonna throw.  if there are more strikes then balls the batter has to guard and hit anything close and the pitcher can throw more pitches then if it was an equal count

Answer 5

It is a hitters count because when it is 3-0 most hitters are told not to swing, hoping to draw a walk. 3-1/2-0 the hitter can look for their perfect pitch to hit.

Answer 6

Imagine..

3-0 your little league coach tells you DON'T SWING! RED LIGHT!

0-2 CHOKE UP ON THE BAT.

0-0 You haven't seen what the pitcher has in store.

3-2 YOUR ON THE EDGE.

0-1 YOUR DOWN...

2-1 GETTING CLOSER..

3-1 YOU CAN WALK... YOU CAN HAVE ANOTHER STRIKE. Your Choice. Not a lot of pressure. You know you can have another foul ball or another strike. Your call. You can walk which is easier.  3-1 you've seen 4 pitches. That's the most you want to have before 3-2 comes.

Answer 7

3-1 and 2-0 are probably considered hitters count because anything that is not in the hitter's  "groovy zone" the hitter will not swing at making it much easier to decide and drive the ball

3-0 is not a hitter's count because it is an unwritten rule that you NEVER swing at a 3-0 pitch in fears of getting out

Answer 8

the only true pitchers count is 0-3!!! HA

Answer 9

in my opinion 3-0 is a hitters count. think if the pitcher's just gonna groove one over why wouldn't you hit it

Answer 10

3-1 is because of the fact that the pitch has to be a strike or of course it will be a walk.  Chances are the batter will get something very good to hit in this case.

3-0 is not a hitters count because it is pitch that 90 percent of the time you should take due to getting a walk.

Especially if you are in a lower league little league pony etc... as you get older you may get whats called a great light if you are a skilled hitter.  The green light theory is if you have proven you can hit and make good judgment to swing at that supposed strike down the middle and knock it to next week.

Answer 11

Your question is a bit confusing. In one place you call 3-1 a pitcher's count, and then refer to it as a hitter's count.

The idea behind 3-1 and 2-0 being a hitter's count is that the pitcher is going to try very hard to throw a strike on the next pitch. He doesn't want to walk the batter or go to 3-0. That means the hitter can expect the pitch to be in a very hittable spot. He can plan on swinging no matter what, and if he misses, no harm done.

3-0 is usually an automatic take by the batter. There are a few exceptions among really good hitters, but you don't want to swing at ball 4 and even if the pitcher throws a strike, he has to do it again.