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(This is a guest article by Michael Coco)

We all know that technology plays a major role in sports. If it weren't for new inventions and innovative ideas half the sports we know of wouldn't exists. If it weren't for technology we wouldn't have the instant replay, the headset for coaches to throw, or even the wireless microphone for our referees to mix up their words on. However, technology has come a long way since those early discoveries.

There is no longer a need for instant replay with the new RFID tags ( Radio Frequency Identification Technology) that European Rugby teams are experimenting with. This micro location technology can transmit the exact coordinates of the ball and players at an astounding 2000 times per second. It can also be used to calculate movement, speed, accuracy, and even force of impact. If this technology was implemented in the US it could do away with any type of bad call in relation to ball location and it would essentially eliminate the guess work from officiating. Not only that, but the type of data we could receive before, during, and after every play would be nothing shy of amazing.

The European Rugby League is not the only organization that sees the value in technology; The NHL recently held its first broadcast in 3D and from the sound of things it was a huge success. There are other leagues exploring this technology, in fact there are enough of them out there for ESPN to launch the first ever 3 dimensional network. Certain European Hockey Teams are already implementing 3D dashboard signage. Once the craze catches on the opportunities to monopolize on this type of technology will be endless.

Many athletes are taking advantage of the latest and greatest trends in technology as well. Competitive Ice Skaters like Clint Johnson and Steve Bradbury are taking their experience on the ice to the design table. They have developed a new way to make skates using a process called rapid prototyping. This process allows athletes to get a custom pair of boots made in record time and be on the ice with them faster than ever before. Even better than that, is a prototype that researchers in the Netherlands are working on which will allow athletes to coach themselves. It's not a video or instructional pamphlet; it's a state of the art apparel line that can sense your every move and let you know which areas you need to improve. This clothing line, which is known as the Haptic Sports Garment, uses vibrations to help improve posture, target key muscle groups and even help maintain optimal speeds.

With the onslaught of social media, there are also many technological advances taking place away from the field. We all know that athletes are using social sites like Twitter, Facebook and USTREAM to connect with fans and build their personal brand, but did you know that they can now make money directly from doing it? iPhone applications like the Chad OchoCinco Experience are earning athletes money from both point of sale and ad revenue; and, websites like fanwave.com allow athletes, coaches, and teams alike to capitalize on every tweet they send. There are also third party applications like Venuing and Twackle that allow fans to become more involved with their respective teams and players than ever thought possible.

It's almost impossible to try and imagine where technology will take us next. Will there one day be tiny live cameras and microphones inserted into basketballs, footballs, and baseballs that allow fans to get an even closer view of the action? Will we all one day be playing video games with holographic players on a life size field? Will advertising one day be controlled using our brain waves? It may all sound far-fetched but the technology is there, and it may be on the the market sooner than you think.

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Michael Coco is an Event Coordinator at Octagon Sports Marketing who has been working in sports nearly all his life. Getting his start with a well established sports publication entitled South Louisiana Sports Scene, Michael steadily has built upon his passion and knowledge of the industry. Michael, aka Coco, specializes in marketing and event planning and has done work with various organizations including, the New Orleans Zephyrs as a marketing and community relations Associate. He currently resides in the Chicagoland area but is a Southern boy at heart and is always up for a good conversation. If you feel obliged to reach out, you can connect with him on Twitter @michaelcoco or LinkedIn
Image by MissionControl

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(This is a guest article by Michael Coco) We all know that technology plays a major role in sports. If it weren't for new inventions and innovative ideas half the sports we know of wouldn't exists.

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Separating myth from truth about how baseball players get drafted.

I want to address a question that comes up from time to time - "how do I get drafted in baseball."

With this question being thrown around on the web by inquisitive college and high school players, I have seen many interesting answers that are not helpful to anyone that wants to play professional baseball. It also looks like the people that are answering this question don't know anything about the workings of a baseball organization. I am not saying that I know everything about baseball, but I've played professionally for 10 years now so I've learned a thing or two about getting drafted.

Top Myths for How to get drafted in baseball

Myth #1 - Who you know. Just because you know a player in an organization he is not going to help you get drafted. Knowing the right scout, coach, or high front office person might be helpful, but even this won't guarantee anything.

Myth #2 - Social Media. Being a social media monster isn't going to help either. Putting your videos on You Tube is just a waste of time. When you jump from high school or college to professional baseball you are getting into the business of baseball. Just like any other business out there, they want to be competitive and get the best employees out there. Professional scouts are not looking online at facebook and You Tube to find their next 5th round outfielder.

3 Truths for How to get drafted in baseball

Truth #1 - Play well. Sorry to state the obvious, but there it is... The very best way to get noticed is to play well.

Truth #2 - Play often. Playing on multiple teams will not only let you hone your skill through practice (Baseball is a skill specific sport where you need to work on your craft), but it gives you additional opportunities to be seen by scouts. Play in as many games as possible. Play your high school or college season and play in a wood bat summer league. These summer leagues are all over the country. It can be good to play in different parts of the country so different scouts can see you play the game. (FYI we do NOT advocate sacrificing all other sports in favor of playing baseball only. Click here to learn why we think so.)

Truth #3 - Play with the best. Playing with players who are better than you will not only help to make you a better player, but it can actually help you get noticed. Maybe you are like me where scouts were not lining up to see me play, but I had some studs on my team and we played against some really high profile players that scouts were wanting to see. Being on the same field gave me a chance to play for these scouts. They weren't there for me, but if I played well enough they might notice me. It only takes one scout and one team to believe in you, it doesn't take any more.

The bottom line. Don't over complicate the whole process. If you play well enough the scouts will find you. But also give them a chance to find you by playing a lot, and of course being strategic about when and where you play.

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Separating myth from truth about how baseball players get drafted. I want to address a question that comes up from time to time - "how do I get drafted in baseball." With this question being thrown around on the web by inquisitive college and high school players, I have seen many interesting answers that are not helpful to anyone that wants to play professional baseball.

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Best Sports Gear Hub For Fitness Equipment #1 | Sports News Update

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Whether it is the big bucks that inspire you or your very passion for the sport, hard work and perseverance are quintessential to become a professional baseball player. As with any sport, making baseball your career choice is a huge decision as there are many inherent challenges involved. However if you are confident about your goal and are willing to do all that it takes to make it a profession, you might just be on the right track to realizing your dream.

What You Should Know About Making Baseball Your Profession

I created this guide with the idea to help baseball enthusiasts like you pursue your dreams of entering into this profession. Over the course of this guide, I will tell you all that you need to make your goal a reality, and also address the different steps to take you towards your goal. Together, we will cover the following steps in sequence

Step-by-step Guide To Becoming A Professional Baseball Player

One important factor to remember is that there are no short-cuts to becoming a professional baseball player, since the competition and stiff. With many aspiring candidates who are ready to do all that it takes to join the league, you should endure and put in your best efforts to get noticed. And here are the tools to help you with this goal.

Although you may have a fair knowledge of the rules and theory of the game, a deep understanding of it will help you understand it better. Turn to the books on the subject, watch games and observe other players objectively to understand it better. Books like The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract will provide you valuable insight on the game, so is worth investing time in. Visit this video to understand the science behind baseball, and other valuable information pertaining to the game. ( Video)

Discuss strategies and winning factors with coaches and good players to learn tricks and tips that will help you improve your game. To be a successful baseball player, you should also be physically fit. So indulge in workouts and strength training exercises on an ongoing basis, to be well-prepared.

To become a professional player, you should know how to play well. The right equipment will considerably aid your efforts. So, make sure you get the right gear and tools. Specialized gear is required depending on the position you aim to practice for. Nevertheless, your kit should contain all the basic elements. This includes the following:

Baseball Glove: Baseball team members require baseball gloves to be worn during the course of the game. However, if you prefer a catcher position, you will also need a mitt which is bigger than a standard baseball glove. In either case, pay attention to the size and find one that fits your hand correctly. Baseball gloves should be made from good quality leather to last long and feel comfortable.

Baseball Bat and Ball: Find a bat that is the biggest you can handle, which means you should be able to hold and swing it comfortably. For professional level games, high quality wooden bats are suggested. College bats are usually made of alloy materials for safety requirements. Although high quality leather baseballs are used in proper games, it is a good idea to set up your equipment with lots of tennis balls to get on with the practice.

Batting Helmet: Baseball is a sport where your head is vulnerable to hard hits from balls that fly at amazing speeds. So, you need a helmet to protect your head, whether you are in a bat or bowl. Choose a helmet that fits your head snugly and is equipped with the right amount of cushioning to protect your head from injuries.

Catcher's Gear: If you wish to be a catcher, invest in some sturdy catcher's gear that fits right. Suit yourself up with the best you can afford, since this is essential to staying safe from fast and hard balls during the game. Most of the catcher's equipment is made from high quality materials like leather that are durable, easy to maintain and efficient in protection.

Apart from having the right equipment and tools, you should also have a good team to train with. Continuous playing is the only way to practice, and you need the right people to challenge you and help you improve your skills. So, set out to find the right training setup for this purpose.

For professional sports, you should develop both general sports related abilities and specifically baseball related skills. Excellent hand-eye co-ordination is essential to excel in any position in this game. You will also have to build physical strength and stamina to endure the physical exertion involved in this sport. Finally, also work on your sprinting skills, since speed is a crucial capability for success in baseball.

If you are serious about a career in professional baseball, start working on these skills right away. Successful players usually have their youth saturated with baseball-related events and activities, so make it a big part of your life in every way. Daily training for several hours is absolutely essential to getting set for professional success. Strict training regimens and practice sessions are also essential to foster skill development and employ the right strategies in this field of sport.

Your personal history is also a factor that will help your journey. Keep a clean reputation and have a good track record, as nobody wants an unfit player on their team. Also find the right coach who can offer specialized training for the skills you wish to polish, to get ahead of the game. A good instructor can help you hone your skills, develop and improve ones you lack, create a general sense of discipline and help you understand the best techniques for success.

It is never too early to begin your efforts to end up as a major league player. You can begin as early as when you are in school. While in school, sign up for tryout camps hosted by baseball coaches and players to gain exposure to the game and practice it well. This will help you learn the fundamentals and gain valuable insight about the game. Don't forget to document your wins and achievements for future reference. Also collect video clips and footage of all your successful efforts, to showcase later.

After school, there are two options for you to continue along the right path to making baseball a career. You can either join junior college or transfer to a Division 1 school, where professional scouts recruit potential candidates. Or you can directly join a minor league through try outs and work your way up.

In the previous section, we discussed the two options to get your professional baseball career started. With the first option of joining college, your goal should be to get noticed by a major league who will initially recruit you into a suitable minor league team that requires your skills. The second option of directly attending minor league try outs usually involves more competition. You will have to demonstrate good baseball skills to get noticed and be absorbed.

Your success greatly depends on being visible to the decision makers. So, it doesn't simply do to play well and hope for the best. Do your research and find decision makers who can help you. Attend all possible try outs, camps and work on publicizing your image so you get noticed.

As an essential step to success, make sure that you focus on your strengths and polish them. It is a good idea to find a coach who specifically focuses on you. Although you should be good on all fronts, being particularly capable in one particular area will improve your chances of getting picked. So, a good instructor should be able to identify your strengths and also have the right approach to helping you develop it further.

I hope this brief guide has helped and inspired you to get started with your journey towards being a professional baseball player. One thing to keep in mind is that it is a route wrought with challenges. There are few positions to be held, so pure commitment and passion, apart from talent are the only ways to reach your goal. However, professional success can change your life in every way. Apart from fame and fortune, you also get the chance to live your passion and enjoy what you do every day.

If you liked this guide, don't forget to share it with your friends and anyone else who may benefit from the information provided here. Also, please share your thoughts and comments with us and the rest of the community who are equally eager to embark on a professional baseball career.

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How To Become A Professional Baseball Player

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Whether it is the big bucks that inspire you or your very passion for the sport, hard work and perseverance are quintessential to become a professional baseball player. As with any sport, making baseball your career choice is a huge decision as there are many inherent challenges involved.

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8 Minor League Baseball Player Salaries provided anonymously by employees. What salary does a Minor League Baseball Player earn in your area?

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We see more sunrises than you

Being a student athlete at Yale often seems like an oxymoron. Are you a nerd? Or are you a jock? Such a unique combination only leads to a unique lifestyle here on campus. We've delved into the lives of these student athletes to uncover the pros and cons of playing sports at Yale.

The cons (because no one wants to end on a bad note)
Early morning conditioning
What could be worse than getting up before five in the morning? Getting up to run sprints and suicides at five in the morning. A lack of sleep and a lack of air in the lungs may not be the most ideal way to start the morning. At least the darkness can hide the tears.
Ice baths
... or very large buckets of torture? It is simply not natural to sit in a bucket full of ice and water so cold that you can't even catch your breath. You'd think that in the current technologically advanced times of iPhones and Hover Scooters there would be a more comfortable way to ease pain and soreness. But no, freezing cold torture it is.
Staying at Bass until closing
There's nothing like getting kicked out of Bass promptly at 1.45am. Practice and game schedules result in rough library times. The stress of trying to bang out that last p-set as the security guard passive aggressively announces the closing of Bass Library every other minute for half an hour is comparable to going to the mall on Black Friday. Gotta love subjecting yourself to that stress on a daily basis.
Groutfits
Grey on grey sweatsuits are the staple outfits that athletes wear to class all over campus. As hard as they have tried to make this the new fad, they have and will always fail. Unfortunately for them, the comfort and ease that underlies the groutfit is greatly overpowered by the outright ugliness of the outfit.
Staying in because of games

48 hour rules can single handedly ruin your social life in season. Not having Woads to get through hump day can make the days go by as slowly as they do during finals period. Not to mention the extreme FOMO experienced as the rush from Toads to Yorkside at 1 am is heard across campus.

The Pros (because there is a reason for putting the 'athlete' in student athlete)
Immediate best friends
One of the most intimidating parts of adapting to college is the prospect of making new friends. After years and years with the same high school friends, this is a daunting task. Thankfully, as a student athlete, you are thrown into a group of people with similar interests (your sport) that immediately adopt you and become your best friends.
Eating what you want
A positive that comes from constant conditioning, lifts, and practices is that you can eat whatever you want whenever you want without worrying. If you've ever seen a football player in the dining hall, you know exactly how life changing this can be.
Seeing the sunrise
Who would have thought there would be an upside to early morning practices? Well, there is. The sun coming up over the field at approximately 6.58am is absolutely beautiful. Seeing this about 3 times a week while doing what you love is a very rare and amazing experience. Who needs sleep anyway?
Locker room
A student athlete's locker roomat Yale is equivalent to the room of requirement at Hogwarts. There's nothing you can't do in the locker room: you can nap, do work, have a dance party, gossip, shower - the possibilities are endless!

Laundry
Free laundry and you don't have to do it yourself? No overflowing laundry baskets. No dragging heavy loads up and down the stairs. No waiting for open washing machines. No paying. No kicking broken machines. No worries! It's like mom followed you to school but left the rules and the nagging at home.
Winning
Everybody knows that there is nothing better than winning. Words cannot describe the cloud nine feeling of elation and satisfaction. Especially when it's pretty hard to win at anything else in school.
Doing what you love
Chances are you play this sport for one main reason - because you love it. When you play it, you can forget about everything else. You forget the paper you have to write later, the exam that you bombed earlier, and the embarrassing thing you apparently did on Saturday night. Having the opportunity to pursue something that you have enjoyed your entire life is truly incredible.

The student athlete experience at Yale is most definitely a unique one. While there are clearly many ups and downs, it's safe to say that most wouldn't trade it for the world. #ROLLDAWGS

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The pros and cons of being a student athlete

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We see more sunrises than you Being a student athlete at Yale often seems like an oxymoron. Are you a nerd? Or are you a jock? Such a unique combination only leads to a unique lifestyle here on campus. We've delved into the lives of these student athletes to uncover the pros and cons of playing sports at Yale.

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Each spring heralds the return of baseball with die-hard fans flocking from near and far to Phoenix-area spring training fields to share a fun afternoon while soaking in some sun. Although 6-4-3 double plays and all-round good hitting is exciting to watch, great pitching is even more admired.

Major League pitchers have an arsenal of weapons - the curveball, change-up and slider. But, the most feared pitch is the one every Ace must possess, the fastball. Timed at 90 miles per hour and up, it's hard to imagine how to see a baseball going at that speed, much less hitting one. But, seasoned hitters miraculously connect with the ball every spring - sometimes sending the ball +400ft out of the stadium.

Have you ever wondered how the best hitters see and hit a baseball? This article will take a deeper, scientific dive into overcoming one of the more feared weapons in major league baseball.

The Science of Seeing a Fastball Pitch

How can a batter hit a baseball traveling at +90-miles per hour? Let's examine how it happens:

As the pitcher goes through his pre-pitch routine, he may be gathering information from the catcher's hand signals as he decides how he will throw the ball the 60-feet, 6-inch distance to the plate.

If he decides to throw a fastball, the ball travels to home plate in approximately one-third to one-half of a second, let's say 500 milliseconds. As a comparison to just how rapidly a fastball travels, it takes about 300 to 400 milliseconds to blink.

At home plate, our batter's brain takes about 100 milliseconds to process the image of the ball after light and image hits the eye to actually see the ball coming toward him.

If he decides to swing, it takes 25 milliseconds for the brain to tell the body to move. Then, it takes about 150 milliseconds to swing the bat and make contact with the ball.

This leaves our batter with just 125 to 225 milliseconds to assess the direction of the pitched ball and make the decision to swing before acting, or not.

Breaking down how a fastball is hit demonstrates just how miraculous it is that anyone hits one. Yet, Ted Williams widely considered the best hitter of all time, hit 521 home runs and had a .344 career batting average, (34 hits for every 100 at bats).

But, even the best batters in history may not be able to say exactly how they do it. Mickey Mantle, another celebrated hitter once said, "I never really could explain it. I just saw the ball as big as a grapefruit."

Which characteristics or talents did Williams and Mantle possess - great eyesight, reaction time, baseball eye training or something else-that allowed them to see and hit the ball? Let's explore further...

Eyesight is Important

Certainly, eyesight makes a difference on how to see a baseball, but just how important is it to Major League (MLB) organizations?

The answer is simple and direct - MLB scouts look for players with outstanding eyesight, specifically 20/12 vision when assessing prospects for their teams. It makes sense that the clearer and stronger the eyesight, the better the ball can be seen.

The Ability to Predict Movement

Now, let's examine anticipation by going back to the middle portion of the pitch when the batter has 125 - 225 milliseconds to decide to swing at a fastball. If he decides to swing it's when the ball is just 25 to 30 feet in front of the plate.

The body needs 25 milliseconds to recognize the decision from the brain - leaving 100 to 200 milliseconds to execute, which is about the length of human reaction time as well as the time it takes to swing a bat. This means an almost instantaneous decision and response.

David Epstein, the author of the 2013 best-selling book, The Sports Gene, says that the best hitters are terrific at recognizing the unfolding situation and acting on it. As hitters practice baseball, eye training during live practice helps sharpen their ability to see what is relevant, such as body movements and how to impact the ball as it crosses the plate.

How does the Brain Predict Movement?

Science agrees with Epstein's theory. Vision scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have identified a portion of the brain that tracks the trajectory of moving objects - even if the object is traveling at unbelievably fast speeds.

According to the scientists, when the brain recognizes that there is a baseball and tells the body to react, it's already old information. If the ball is going 100-miles per hour, it travels approximately 3 feet by the time a batter recognizes that there is a ball and 15 feet by the time he decides to swing. So, as the batter is swinging, the body is acting on old information which should make it impossible to hit a moving fastball.

The only answer would be that the brain would have to make up for this delay in some way. Lead investigator on the Berkeley study, Gerrit Maus and his research colleagues located and saw the prediction mechanism in the middle temporal region of the visual cortex in the brain as it was computing the trajectory of a moving object. The team used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to track visual processing abilities.

Maus said, "The image that hits the eye and then is processed by the brain is not in sync with the real world, but the brain is clever enough to compensate for that."

Now that you know what goes into a fastball and what it takes to hit one, maybe you'll enjoy the action at the baseball field even more. But, if you want to catch all the action when you're favorite Ace is squaring off against the opposing team's power hitter - make sure you don't blink!

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How Baseball Players See a Fastball | Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center

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Each spring heralds the return of baseball with die-hard fans flocking from near and far to Phoenix-area spring training fields to share a fun afternoon while soaking in some sun. Although 6-4-3 double plays and all-round good hitting is exciting to watch, great pitching is even more admired.

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In order to find a college athletic scholarship you need to be willing to actively promote yourself to college coaches and engage with them throughout the college recruiting process. You can apply to join one of the top recruiting networks by clicking on the parent or athlete button above.

Coaches can't recruit you if they don't know who you are

In any given year a college sports program will begin their recruiting efforts by actively evaluating hundreds of potential recruits. Coaches won't be recruiting you or offering you a sports scholarship unless they know who you are. It is your responsibility to get the coaches attention by emailing them, calling them or by joining online recruiting networks.

Know what to do during every step of the college recruiting process

Our college athletic recruiting website and blog are full of great free recruiting resources to help you maximize your potential throughout the entire recruiting process. Whether you are looking for information about contacting coaches, tips for making a recruiting video or want help in properly negotiating for a scholarship we can help.

Scholarships are available at all levels

Don't just focus on a NCAA DI scholarship. Over 85% of college scholarship opportunities are available at the NCAA DII, DIII, NAIA and NJCAA levels. By expanding your search and contacting more schools you will give yourself a better opportunity to land that coveted athletic scholarship.

Find the right university and team

Being a college athlete is not just all about going to the biggest school you can. A critical question to consider when thinking about a particular school is, " would you want to go to that school if you weren't an athlete and on scholarship? " Your athletic scholarship is never guaranteed and it is always a good idea to be prepared to stay in school if you lose your scholarship. Also, the majority of your time at school will be spent outside of practice and competition. Make sure you enjoy where you go to school and it fits what you are looking for in a college.

Don't let academics hold you back

Academics can often be the deciding factor between two equally talented athletes. Don't assume that just because you are a college level athlete and meet the minimum requirements a school will be willing to accept you. College athletic programs are under a lot of pressure to keep the academic performance of their student athletes up and coaches are unwilling to take a risk with an athlete who isn't a good student.

It's up to you

Take control of the college recruiting process and get proactive. There is only one sure thing in recruiting; if you aren't speaking with coaches you aren't being recruited.
Read this before you register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Review the NCSA Recruiting App... Android Review the NCSA Recruiting App... Apple

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College Athletic Scholarships. College Sports Recruiting.

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In order to find a college athletic scholarship you need to be willing to actively promote yourself to college coaches and engage with them throughout the college recruiting process. You can apply to join one of the top recruiting networks by clicking on the parent or athlete button above.

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Steve Silverman

Steve Silverman is an award-winning writer, covering sports since 1980. Silverman authored The Minnesota Vikings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Who's Better, Who's Best in Football -- The Top 60 Players of All-Time, among others, and placed in the Pro Football Writers of America awards three times. Silverman holds a Master of Science in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism.

Baseball requires a high degree of skill to play well. Athletic ability will help a player compete with other top players, but the specific skills of hitting, throwing and catching the baseball require significant work and practice to acquire. Many of the top hitters in the game don't have a tremendous speed or strength, but they all have a high-level of eye-hand coordination.

Video of the Day

Hitters who can drive the ball over the fence, such as Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, are lionized, but many hitters who don't hit frequent home runs can be just as important to their teams. Hitting the ball consistently takes timing, hand-eye coordination and confidence. These skills are developed through regular batting practice. Hitters must be balanced when standing at the plate and drive their hands through the ball with all their strength and momentum behind their swings.

Catching and fielding the baseball takes athleticism, aggressiveness, timing and coordination. Fielding ground balls requires the player to get to a spot on the field quickly, to get his body in front of the ball and to catch it out in front of him. Catching fly balls takes speed, timing, anticipation and coordination. Fielders need to catch hundreds of ground balls and fly balls in practice to learn how to field consistently.

Throwing the ball well requires arm strength, balance and timing. The shoulder is a delicate part of the body and the four muscles of the rotator cuff that allow the baseball to throw the ball overhand can be damaged easily. Baseball players must build the strength in their arm by throwing regularly with the proper technique. That means players must step toward the target when they throw and must get their momentum traveling toward their target.

This is one of the skills that many players and coaches overlook. Having speed alone does not make one a good base runner. Speed helps, but understanding the route to run, the arm strength of opposing outfielders and the game situation are more important skills than flat-out speed. A good base runner will listen to advice from coaches on the base paths, but will make the final decisions whether to run or stop based on his own knowledge.

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Baseball requires a high degree of skill to play well. Athletic ability will help a player compete with other top players, but the specific skills of hitting, throwing and catching the baseball require significant work and practice to acquire. Many of the top hitters in the game don't have a tremendous speed or strength, but they all have a...