💲 The Hidden Cost Giving Away At Bats 💲

Lane Adams

Mar '25 (edited) • 💠 Drill Lab

Let’s talk numbers.

Because once you see the math — you’ll understand why every single AB matters.

High School Hitters:

• Most high school starters get 60–120 at-bats in a full season.

• That’s across 25–40 games, depending on where you play and how deep your team goes.

• Let’s split the middle: 90 ABs for the average full-time high school starter.

You go 27-for-90? That’s a .300 hitter.

You go 36-for-90? That’s a .400 hitter.

The difference? Just 9 hits over the whole season.

That’s one hit every 2.7 games.

That’s the difference between being an average guy and being a top recruit.

Now let’s say you throw away 1 AB per game by:

• Having no approach

• Swinging at a pitcher’s pitch

• Mentally checking out after a strikeout

• Getting beat before you even step in the box

If you do that for just 10 games, that’s 10 wasted ABs.

What if 3–5 of those could’ve been hits?

You’re no longer 27-for-90. You’re 24-for-90 — now you’re a .267 hitter.

You just lost your shot at an All-District nod.

You just became less recruitable.

All because you coasted through a few at-bats thinking “it’s just one.”

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College Hitters:

• Most everyday college guys will get 100–250 at-bats, depending on level and role.

• Let’s say you’re a mid-lineup guy and get 180 ABs in a season.

You go 54-for-180? You’re a .300 hitter.

You go 63-for-180? You’re a .350 hitter.

Just 9 hits separates the two.

That’s 1 extra hit every 5 games.

But if you throw away even 1 AB per weekend series, you’re cutting off opportunities that move your numbers — and your career — forward.

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Why This Matters:

• At-bats are limited real estate.

• You don’t get “extra reps” like in a cage session.

• You don’t get a redo the next day if you’re not playing every game.

• You can’t make up for a bad month with a hot streak like pros can — the season’s too short.

This is why I always say:

“You’re not just being evaluated on hits — you’re being evaluated on how you compete.”

Hitters who:

• Have a plan every AB

• Compete in 0-0 and 0-2 counts the same

• Don’t give away freebies

• Don’t ride the emotional rollercoaster

• Make every out productive (deep pitch counts, QABs, hard contact)

• Understand the value of a sac bunt, sac fly, or walk in the right moment

Those guys get noticed. Those guys win jobs. Those guys get recruited or drafted.

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Now here’s something most hitters overlook:

Not every plate appearance is about getting a hit — but every one is about avoiding an out.

Let’s say you go 2-for-4. That’s a good day.

But what if instead, you go 2-for-3 with a walk or a sac fly? That’s a better day.

Why? Because you only made 1 out instead of 2.

Batting average doesn’t include:

• Walks

• Sacrifice flies

• Sac bunts

• Hit-by-pitches

So when you take a walk or drive in a run with a sac fly, you help your team and don’t hurt your numbers.

Too many hitters try to force a hit in a sac fly or bunt situation — and end up grounding out weakly or popping up early in the count.

Be smart. Capitalize on the moment.

If you go:

• 2-for-3 with a walk = .667 AVG, .750 OBP

• 2-for-3 with a sac fly = .667 AVG, still 3 productive plate appearances

• 2-for-4 with a strikeout and no walks = .500 AVG, 2 outs made

The math adds up quickly — especially over a full season.

Limiting your outs while maximizing your production is what separates good hitters from great ones.

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Let’s Flip the Mindset:

Every at-bat is a micro-opportunity to prove who you are.

Even an 0-for-4 day can be a win if you compete, see pitches, execute your plan, and control what you can.

And remember:

Not all 0-for-4s are created equal.

An 0-for-4 with hard outs and a sac fly or a walk is different than 4 lazy ABs with no fight.

So next time you’re 0-for-2 with a strikeout and a popout…

Don’t cash in the third AB.

That could be the one that changes your average, your confidence, or your opportunity.

The best hitters don’t just have the best swings — they make the most of the few ABs they’re given.

Start today. Don’t throw another one away.

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