PULL HITTER Meaning and
Definition
-
A pull hitter is a term used primarily in the sport of baseball to describe a player who has a tendency to hit the ball primarily to the side of the field nearest to their dominant side. Typically, a pull hitter is a right-handed or left-handed batter who predominantly hits the ball to the side of the field closest to their respective hand. For instance, a right-handed pull hitter will frequently hit the ball to the left side of the field.
In baseball, the field is divided into three main sections: left field, center field, and right field. A pull hitter will try to hit the ball into the side of the field nearest to them, that is, to left field if they are a right-handed batter or to right field if they are a left-handed batter. This approach is often employed by hitters with exceptional power, as they try to take advantage of their natural swing and maximize the likelihood of hitting the ball with great force.
The term "pull hitter" can also be used in a broader context to refer to a batter who consistently favors one side of the field, even if they do not exclusively hit to that side. It is worth noting that being labeled a pull hitter can sometimes be advantageous for the opposition, as it allows the opposing team to position their fielders strategically to counter the batter's tendencies, thereby increasing their chances of making an out.
Etymology of PULL HITTER
The term "pull hitter" is a baseball term used to describe a batter who tends to hit the ball predominantly to the side of the field closer to themselves, typically the left field for a right-handed batter or right field for a left-handed batter. The etymology of this term can be understood by breaking it down into its two components: "pull" and "hitter".
1. Pull: In baseball, "pull" refers to the action of hitting the ball toward the side closer to the batter. This is in contrast to "opposite field" hitting, where the batter hits the ball to the opposite side of the field. The term "pull" evolved from the literal idea of the batter pulling the ball in the direction they desire.
2. Hitter: "Hitter" is a common term used to describe a player who is batting in baseball.
