What Is a BP in Baseball?

Batting practice (BP) is a form of practice for baseball players to hone their batting skills and technique. In BP, batters are given specific instructions from the coach or manager on how to approach each pitch thrown. It allows players to work on their swing mechanics, timing, pitch recognition, and plate discipline. By facing different pitching speeds and styles, athletes can develop the ability to recognize various pitches. This skill is crucial to be successful at the plate. Understanding BP is key for both players and coaches.

The primary goal of BP is to enhance the hitting skills, timing, and confidence of batters. By facing different pitching speeds and styles, athletes can develop the ability to recognize various pitches. This skill is crucial to be successful at the plate. Understanding BP is key for both players and coaches. Coaches tailored batting practice to specific opponents, like a game of chess. It was once a Wild West of swings, now a carefully choreographed dance of bat meeting ball.

The average exit velocity for MLB players is 87 mph, with heavy hitters achieving 90 mph or more. Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge have the hardest-hit homers. BP pitches typically travel 60 to 70 miles per hour, far slower than the average fastball of 85 to 95 miles per hour. So BP can be hit very hard if there is no movement.

In 2023, speed will be important. Not just pitch speeds or exit velocities but running speed. Which might become more important. A pitch clock allows 15 seconds per pitch with no runners on base and 20 seconds per pitch with runners on base, reducing the average game length by 30 minutes to about 2 hours 40 minutes.