We all know how important being ahead in the count is for pitchers. But when you take a closer look at the numbers, the differences can be absolutely staggering. Here is what MLB batters averages over a three-year span (over 250,000 at-bats) when they were ahead in the count:
Behind In The Count
| Count | 2013 Batting AVG | 2014 Batting AVG | 2015 Batting AVG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-0 | .370 | .347 | .355 |
| 3-0 | .340 | .331 | .340 |
| 3-1 | .352 | .348 | .348 |
Why are these averages so high? Because when a pitcher falls behind in the count, odds are they are going to have to throw a fastball and the batter is ready to feast. So as a catcher it's important to keep your pitcher ahead and set up for success.
Over the same three-year period, look at the difference when the pitcher is the one who is ahead.
Ahead In The Count
| Count | 2013 Batting AVG | 2014 Batting AVG | 2015 Batting AVG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | .232 | .227 | .225 |
| 0-2 | .155 | .156 | .152 |
| 1-2 | .171 | .163 | .167 |
As Coach Danny Sheaffer points out, "You throw strike one, you win the count." For a closer look at these numbers, watch the video above.