Hitting is one of the most important aspects of baseball. It is a complex skill that requires great technique, strength, timing and coordination. But why is hitting called raking? This is a question that has puzzled many baseball fans for years. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the term and its usage in the game of baseball today.
The Origins of Raking
Raking can be traced back to the 19th century, when the term was used to describe the motion of a batter swinging their bat at the ball. The term was coined by Charles Mears, a former catcher in the National League. According to Mears, the term originated from the sound of the bat meeting the ball, which resembled the sound of a rake being dragged through dirt.
The Effects of Raking
Raking is an important component of hitting in baseball, as it helps a batter generate power and momentum with their swing. When a batter rakes, they will take a long, sweeping swing through the ball, resulting in a powerful and accurate hit. This type of swing also creates a larger area of contact, which can help a batter connect with the ball more often.
Additionally, raking can also increase the speed and distance of the ball. By using a long, sweeping stroke, a batter can generate more power and momentum, which can result in more powerful and accurate hits.
Modern Usage of Raking
Today, raking is still a popular term used to describe a batter’s swing. It is commonly used by coaches and players to describe a batter’s technique and success at the plate.
Raking is also an important part of batting practice, as it is an effective way to develop a batter’s swing and timing. By practicing raking, batters can learn how to generate more power and accuracy with their swings.
Conclusion
Raking has been a part of baseball for centuries and is an important aspect of batting. It is a term that was coined by Charles Mears to describe the motion of a batter swinging their bat at the ball. Today, it is still a popular term used to describe a batter’s swing, and is an important part of batting practice. By practicing raking, batters can learn how to generate more power and accuracy with their swings.