What is an At Bat Pitch Count?
At bat pitch count is a statistic in baseball. It is the total number of pitches a player sees during an at bat. It is often used to measure a hitter’s patience and ability to work counts. The longer an at bat goes, the more likely the hitter is to draw a walk or reach base.
What is the Longest At Bat Pitch Count in Major League Baseball History?
The longest at bat pitch count in Major League Baseball (MLB) history was between Philadelphia Phillies’ batter Ricky Gutierrez and San Francisco Giants’ pitcher Russ Ortiz. It took place on May 25, 1998 at the 3Com Park in San Francisco, California.
The at bat lasted an incredible 21 pitches and lasted 14 minutes. It was the longest at-bat in Major League Baseball history. Gutierrez fouled off 16 pitches before he hit a game-winning single to left field.
Who is Ricky Gutierrez?
Ricky Gutierrez is a former Major League Baseball player. He played for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, and San Diego Padres between 1998 and 2005. He was a shortstop, second baseman, and third baseman, known for his excellent fielding and steady hitting. He batted a career .269 with 47 home runs and 588 RBIs.
Who is Russ Ortiz?
Russ Ortiz is a former Major League Baseball player. He played for the San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, and Houston Astros between 1997 and 2008. He was an All-Star in 2003 and was known for his excellent control and ability to get ground ball outs. He won 116 games in his career with a 4.53 ERA and 1,186 strikeouts.
What Happened During the At Bat?
The at bat between Ricky Gutierrez and Russ Ortiz began with a 1-2 count. Gutierrez fouled off the first five pitches, then worked the count full. Ortiz threw a total of 16 pitches, all fastballs and sliders. Gutierrez then fouled off the next 11 pitches before finally getting a fastball he could drive.
He hit it to the opposite field and it landed in left field, scoring the winning run. The entire at bat lasted 14 minutes and included 21 pitches.
Why Was the At Bat So Long?
There are a few reasons as to why the at bat between Ricky Gutierrez and Russ Ortiz lasted as long as it did. First, both players were very experienced and talented. Ortiz was an All-Star and Gutierrez had a career batting average of .269.
Second, Ortiz had excellent control and was able to keep the ball away from Gutierrez. Ortiz was able to throw a variety of fastballs and sliders, making it difficult for Gutierrez to get a good pitch to hit.
Finally, Gutierrez had excellent patience and was able to lay off the pitches he couldn’t hit. He was able to wait for the pitch he wanted and eventually drove it for the game-winning hit.
What Other Long At Bats Have Taken Place?
Longest At Bats Since 1998
Since the 1998 at bat between Ricky Gutierrez and Russ Ortiz, there have been several other long at bats. The following is a list of the top five longest at bats since 1998:
- Geronimo Berroa vs. Kevin Millwood, 2000: 20 pitches, 13 minutes
- J.T. Snow vs. Mark Gardner, 2000: 19 pitches, 10 minutes
- Mark Kotsay vs. David Wells, 2006: 18 pitches, 10 minutes
- Shawn Green vs. David Wells, 2006: 17 pitches, 9 minutes
- Carlos Pena vs. Luke Hudson, 2007: 16 pitches, 10 minutes
Longest At Bats in MLB History
The at bat between Ricky Gutierrez and Russ Ortiz is the longest at bat in MLB history. The following is a list of the top five longest at bats in MLB history:
- Ricky Gutierrez vs. Russ Ortiz, 1998: 21 pitches, 14 minutes
- Bernie Carbo vs. Jim “Catfish” Hunter, 1970: 18 pitches, 12 minutes
- Tino Martinez vs. Brian Anderson, 1998: 17 pitches, 11 minutes
- Jim Walewander vs. Charlie Hough, 1987: 17 pitches, 9 minutes
- Brian Downing vs. Charlie Hough, 1985: 16 pitches, 8 minutes
What is the Significance of the Longest At Bat Pitch Count?
The longest at bat pitch count in MLB history is an impressive feat. It is a testament to the skill and patience of both Ricky Gutierrez and Russ Ortiz. It is also a reminder of the importance of working counts and being patient at the plate.
The longest at bat pitch count should also be a source of inspiration for young players. It shows that with a combination of talent, skill, and patience, anything is possible.
Conclusion
The longest at bat pitch count in Major League Baseball history took place between Philadelphia Phillies’ batter Ricky Gutierrez and San Francisco Giants’ pitcher Russ Ortiz. The at bat lasted an incredible 21 pitches and lasted 14 minutes. Gutierrez fouled off 16 pitches before he hit a game-winning single to left field.
It is a reminder of the importance of working counts and being patient at the plate. It is also a source of inspiration for young players, showing them that with a combination of talent, skill, and patience, anything is possible.