Decision Processes of Baseball Batters

Abstract

The human performance characteristics of pitching and batting within the context of baseball game situations are examined to determine their influence o n the batter's decision to swing or not at a pitched ball. Signal detection theory techniques are used o n generated data to show how the probability of the batter swinging at a "strike" and leaving a "ball" could be optimized. Applications of this approach to game situutions and areas for future research are discussed.

How Baseball Players Prepare to Bat: Tactical Knowledge as a Mediator of Expert Performance in Baseball

“…In summary, McPherson (1993) showed that the objective and subjective variables proposed to influence batting decisions (Newell, 1974) can be measured and that performers learn to access this information when representing the problem situation. Moreover, experts have the ability to adapt their problem representations to the situation at hand by using sophisticated knowledge structures.…”

“…The added advantage of these mechanisms is that current event and action plan profiles are used to compensate and make adjustments during time-constrained performance. Findings in the previously reviewed baseball batting studies suggest that these knowledge structures (Gray, 2002;Newell, 1974;Paull & Glencross, 1997) develop with expertise as well as over long bouts of competition (McPherson, 1993).…”

“…As Newell (1974) pointed out, a batter facing a pitch must deal with a sensory perceptual challenge as well as a motor response challenge. Because it subserves the motor response, the sensory perceptual challenge component is deemed particularly critical.…”

“…When faced with a series of pitches with only two possible speeds (i.e., fast ball, change up), performance was significantly better with batters changing their swing depending on their expectation. Newell (1974) categorized factors that influence a batter's decision to swing as objective or subjective. Variables like the score or ball-strike count were considered objective.…”

A review of some unusual applications of signal detection theory

“…Because of the rigid and repetitive nature of baseball, Newell (1974) argued that signal detection theory may be applied to the batter's dilemma of whether or not to swing at a pitched ball. If a pitch passes through the "strike zone" the batter wants to attempt to hit it, since if he does not, it counts as a "strike" against him (three strikes and he is out).…”