Lau has earned a free base 109 times while being called out on strikes on 150 plate appearances. His OBP comes in at .318 and he also has a career OPS of .355. He is sitting with 105 runs and has 140 RBIs. He has homered 16 times, with 427 total bases and a .037 slugging percentage. For the 1,170 official at-bats in his baseball career, Lau has earned a batting average of .255 in addition to 298 hits.
Charley Lau
Charley Lau was not just another baseball player; he was a visionary in the realm of hitting mechanics. Born in 1933, Lau played in the Major Leagues from 1956 to 1967. Although he wasn’t a standout player himself, he made a significant mark as a hitting coach. His most notable coaching stint was with the Kansas City Royals, where he transformed players into formidable hitters. Lau’s coaching career spanned various teams, but it was with the Royals that he truly cemented his legacy as a pioneer in hitting instruction.
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Lau’s philosophy was all about making contact and putting the ball in play. He believed that a perfect swing wasn’t about power alone but about balance, timing, and precision. This approach revolutionized how hitters approached their craft in the MLB. His teachings emphasized fluidity and adaptability, encouraging players to focus on the consistency of their swing mechanics rather than chasing home runs. Lau’s techniques were not just about the physical aspects of hitting but also about instilling confidence and a strategic mindset in his players.
The Charley Lau Hitting Technique
The Foundation of Lau’s Method
The Charley Lau hitting technique is based on a few fundamental principles. One of the key elements is the emphasis on balance throughout the swing. Lau taught that the hitter’s stance should be relaxed, allowing for quick adjustments and a smooth swing. This balance is crucial for maintaining control and maximizing the potential energy transfer from the body to the bat.
Another crucial aspect is the weight shift. Lau advocated for starting with more weight on the back foot and then shifting it forward as the pitch approaches. This movement helps generate power and maintain control. The weight shift is not just about power but also about timing, allowing hitters to synchronize their body movements with the incoming pitch. By mastering this fluid motion, hitters can achieve a seamless transition from stance to swing, enhancing their overall performance at the plate.
The Batting Grip and Stance
Lau was a proponent of a relaxed grip, suggesting that players hold the bat as if they were shaking hands with it. This grip promotes flexibility and reduces tension, allowing for a quicker and more controlled swing. The relaxed grip also helps prevent over-gripping, which can lead to tension and decreased bat speed, ultimately affecting a player’s ability to make solid contact.
In terms of stance, Lau recommended a slightly open position. This stance enables hitters to see the ball better and react more effectively to different pitches. It also facilitates an easier weight shift, crucial for generating power without sacrificing balance. The open stance provides a better view of the pitcher, allowing hitters to track the ball’s release point and trajectory more accurately. This visual advantage, combined with the mechanics of the open stance, empowers hitters to respond to a wider array of pitches with precision and confidence.
The Swing Mechanics
The swing itself is where Lau’s technique truly shines. He emphasized a short, compact swing that prioritized contact over raw power. By keeping the swing compact, hitters are more likely to make solid contact with the ball, increasing the chances of getting on base. This approach aligns with Lau’s philosophy that consistent contact is more valuable than sporadic power hitting, as it leads to higher batting averages and more scoring opportunities.
Lau also taught the importance of following through. A complete follow-through ensures that the swing remains fluid and that the bat travels through the hitting zone effectively. This approach helps maintain the ball’s trajectory and increases the likelihood of a successful hit. The follow-through also serves as a mechanism for maintaining balance and control, allowing hitters to adjust mid-swing if necessary to make optimal contact with the ball.
Impact on MLB and Modern Hitters
Charley Lau’s influence on MLB is undeniable. His techniques have been adopted and adapted by countless players and coaches, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of hitting. One of his most famous protégés was George Brett, who became one of the greatest hitters in baseball history under Lau’s guidance. Brett’s success is a testament to the effectiveness of Lau’s teachings and their adaptability to different players’ styles and strengths.
Lau’s methods have permeated through generations, with modern hitters still employing elements of his technique. The focus on balance, contact, and precision has become a staple in batting training across all levels of baseball. This widespread adoption highlights the timelessness of Lau’s principles, which continue to resonate with players and coaches striving for excellence in hitting. The adaptability of his techniques to various playing styles and the evolving dynamics of the game underscores their enduring relevance.
Case Studies: Success Stories
Several MLB hitters have credited Charley Lau’s techniques for their success. George Brett is perhaps the most notable, but others like Hal McRae and Frank White also thrived under Lau’s tutelage. Their success stories highlight the effectiveness of Lau’s methods in producing consistent, high-caliber hitters. These players not only achieved personal milestones but also contributed significantly to their teams’ successes, demonstrating the broader impact of Lau’s techniques on the game.
The success of Lau’s protégés serves as a blueprint for aspiring hitters, illustrating how the integration of his principles can lead to sustained performance improvements. By studying these case studies, current players and coaches can glean insights into the application of Lau’s teachings in real-game scenarios, further solidifying his legacy in the fabric of baseball history.
Adapting Lau’s Techniques to Today’s Game
While Lau’s principles remain relevant, the game of baseball has evolved. Today’s hitters face faster pitches and more specialized pitching strategies. As a result, some adaptations to Lau’s techniques have been made to meet the demands of the modern game. These adaptations ensure that Lau’s core principles remain effective even as the sport undergoes technological and strategic advancements.
Adjustments for Modern Pitching
Modern hitters might adjust their stance and grip slightly to handle the increased velocity and movement of today’s pitches. While Lau’s emphasis on balance and contact remains crucial, players may incorporate more strength training to add power without compromising the principles of his technique. This integration of strength and technique allows players to maintain the integrity of Lau’s method while enhancing their ability to compete against high-velocity pitchers.
Additionally, hitters may incorporate advanced metrics and analytics to fine-tune their approach at the plate. By understanding pitchers’ tendencies and optimizing their swing path, modern hitters can apply Lau’s foundational techniques in a way that addresses the specific challenges posed by contemporary pitching styles.
Technology and Training
Advancements in technology have also allowed for a more detailed analysis of the Lau technique. Video analysis and biomechanical studies provide insights that help players fine-tune their swings, ensuring they adhere to Lau’s principles while maximizing their potential. These technological tools offer precise feedback, enabling players to make data-driven adjustments and enhance their performance in real time.
Moreover, the use of virtual reality and simulation training allows players to practice against realistic pitching scenarios, further refining their skills in alignment with Lau’s teachings. This fusion of technology and traditional technique represents the future of baseball training, where players can leverage both innovation and time-tested principles to achieve peak performance.
Conclusion
Charley Lau’s contribution to the art of hitting in baseball is unparalleled. His techniques have stood the test of time, continuing to influence players and coaches alike. As baseball evolves, Lau’s principles of balance, contact, and precision remain essential components of effective hitting. His legacy is a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring value of foundational skills in the ever-changing landscape of professional sports.
Whether you’re a budding baseball player or a seasoned coach, understanding and applying the Charley Lau hitting technique can provide a competitive edge. By focusing on the fundamentals and adapting to modern challenges, you can harness the power of Lau’s legacy to improve your game. This approach not only enhances individual performance but also contributes to the collective success of teams that embrace these principles.
In the end, Charley Lau’s impact on MLB is a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to the art of hitting. His legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to swing for success. As players and coaches continue to build upon his teachings, Lau’s influence will undoubtedly persist, shaping the future of baseball for years to come.