TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees guest instructor Lee Mazzilli was struck in the head by a ball in batting practice Wednesday and taken to a local hospital.
Pull the screens out, grab a guy who can toss it about 60 mph over the heart of the plate, and let it rip.
On-field batting practice is a time-honored tradition in Major League Baseball, taking place like clockwork before every game. The ritual dates all the way back to the late 19th century, but back in those early days, starting pitchers would actually throw BP. That practice died decades ago, and while modern hitters can expect to face mid-90s heat and filthy breaking balls when the bullets are live, in BP, they’re typically facing a middle-aged coach or staff member. BP pitches come straight as an arrow, yet a fraction as fast. While the throwers usually pitch well ahead of the rubber to try to make up for the massive discrepancy in velocity, there’s only so much you can do to dress up a 58 mph meatball.
And therein lies the problem. A recent article from The Athletic’s John Lott outlines why many MLB clubs are beginning to slowly cut down on this well-worn ritual. The Toronto Blue Jays are one team decreasing their amount of traditional pre-game BP, as the practice is now optional inside the organization.
Some notes on an institution in trouble.