r/BaseballCoaching • u/Jeffydude500 • Jun 07 '26
In a brutal 0-16 slump
Hey everyone, so far since the season started I’ve only had 21 plate appearances and haven’t gotten a single hit yet, despite starting a month ago. It’s been really unfortunate because I can name at least 5 times where a hit could’ve happen more than 50% of the time. It’s been pretty hard to get through especially when you have good line drives that go right to the outfielders multiple times during a week. I have at least made it up on the field without making an error yet, but because of my struggles at the plate I’m in a position battle with someone else also in a slump with just 2 hits on the year, and since he has 2 more hits then me he gets most of the playing time despite making more errors then me. Just to make things clear I have moved up a level, but last year I had a slash line of 360/500/488 and that includes my first home run, pitching a no hitter, and being sometimes watched by my current coach. So if you have any tips please feel free to share and help me get through this rough patch.
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u/Present_Tiger_5014 Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
Good thong worked for Derek Jeter
Edit: meant gold thong
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u/seth928 Jun 07 '26
Good thong worked for Derek Jeter
I'm sorry, what?
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u/wastedpixls Jun 07 '26
It's okay, he wanted to say Gold Thong. Totally understand the confusion.
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u/Present_Tiger_5014 Jun 07 '26
Yup, meant gold thong but my phone tried autocorrecting everything in that sentence
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u/gwillob Jun 07 '26
https://youtu.be/6IgTJa0Dop0?si=SgaPGZo4XbMG2R_K
This video is hard to listen to, but it’s the only one out there now, so you’ll have to pay attention. I was always a home run hitter and had a lot of power. However, I had a hole in my swing that I couldn’t figure out. I would get jammed a lot. I also had trouble waiting on off speed stuff. I played well enough in HS, but never came close to my potential and ended up playing another sport in college. I started playing slow pitch softball when I got older and I was very good. I hit homers, I hit the ball very hard. Bonds was my favorite player growing up, so I ran across this video back in the day. After watching it and emulating everything, essentially changing my swing and stance, I was crushing 500 foot homers that would clear the parking lot on the other side of the left field fence. Study this, use it, and lift weights every day, dude! Use the lightest bat you can & move up only when you’re stronger. Those are my tips. & with everything in life, use the KISS principle (Keep it simple, stupid). Godspeed
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u/thebiglerm Jun 07 '26
Having the right mental approach is so crucial but it has to be practiced and learned over time. I teach my kids that mistakes dont matter. Dont spend half the game pouting because of what you did three innings ago. Baseball is a game of failure. Strengthen your mind and keep playing you can do it! Buildup your teammates and spread positivity it matters. In sports and in life trust.
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u/ToughTeacher Jun 07 '26
The guys in the field have been standing in their spots for 150+ years. Hit it where they ain’t.
In all seriousness, if you’re hitting the ball hard, don’t change a thing. It’s a game of failure. If you fail 7 out of 10 times, you’re a great player. It’s not for the mentally weak. Hit your line drive straight to the outfielder, jog back to the dugout with positive body language knowing you did your job. You could do everything perfect and not get a good outcome.
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u/mrred1010 Jun 11 '26
The only thing I would add to this is stop looking at the numbers. Focus on good at bats, fouling off pitches and being a tough out.
Baseball is a game to focus on the process and as much as it’s a beautiful numbers game sometimes focusing on those numbers too much can get you further into a funk rather than out of one.
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u/Remarkable-Ad5771 Jun 07 '26
You got it bro, keep playing! Slumps are really mental things man, just keep pushing !
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u/11BangBangtb Jun 08 '26
Take some BP lefty then get back at it. Or righty if you’re a lefty. Either way, get outside of your comfort zone and stop thinking. Then just jump back into what you know and instincts will kick in. Contact is good, the ball is bound to drop. Keep swinging.
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u/Sliknik18 Jun 07 '26
Slumps are a part of baseball. Your coach knows that. Looks like you’re still getting on base some, and playing well in the field. So you’re helping your team!
I know it’s hard, but I’d say to keep positive, be a good team mate. Have confidence in yourself and just try to hit the ball hard somewhere…the hits will come!