You grow up with your pitches and figure out what works best against what. It’s not especially special, it’s just something you understand with repetition.

Whether it’s the stance or the swing isn’t always evident. It’s more of a mental thing; understanding what that hitter is trying to do as they step up to the plate.

While this sounds like the result of all the video and stat sheets we pour over, it’s better steeped in on-field experience. It’s one thing to numerate a fastball and another thing to throw it.

And see the reaction at the plate.