Former pro "wouldn't recommend" Freddie Freeman's batting technique for all players despite Dodgers star's success
What works for some professionals like Freddie Freeman might not work for everyone. Young ballplayers often try to emulate the hitting techniques of star players but frequently find they don't achieve the same results. In his latest segment on "Just Nayers Baseball," former MLB player Jantzen Witte shared why this is the case.
Witte used the LA Dodgers first baseman who was crowned the 2024 World Series MVP as an example. His success over the years, first with the Atlanta Braves and then the Dodgers, has intrigued many, especially with his particularly unique hitting mechanism.
"Obviously, it works for him. He's unbelievable. With that said, I like that he keeps it simple and keeps it small — kind of 'aim small, miss small,' like hitting a line drive to short," Witte said of Freeman's hitting.
Witte then cited his college baseball experience, where the focus was on staying inside the ball for better results. He continued by sharing his thoughts on Freddie Freeman's approach:
"For me, hearing that approach — where, as a right-handed batter, if I try to knock down the second baseman every swing — there are times I need that, but there are other times I need to deliver the barrel and pull the ball the right way. So, I don't think that's good for everyone, to be honest."
"For him, that feel of staying above the ball and shooting it to shortstop allows him to stay through the ball and pull it in the air during the game. But I think he's maybe one of a kind, and I wouldn’t recommend that for all players."
Freddie Freeman surpasses George Springer's MLB record with World Series heroics
Coming into the 2024 season, Freddie Freeman was already a World Series champion, having won in 2021 with the Atlanta Braves. During that series, he struck two home runs in Games 5 and 6 against the Houston Astros.
He carried that momentum into the 2024 World Series, homering in the first four games against the New York Yankees, which extended his streak to six straight World Series games with a home run.
This accomplishment surpassed George Springer's previous record of homering in five straight, which he registered during his time with the Houston Astros.
With two successful World Series appearances, Freddie Freeman has solidified his reputation as a clutch performer. His World Series stats include him hitting .310 with six home runs and 17 RBIs.