How to Make a Batting Order

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Certain spots in the lineup are reserved for certain types of hitters. The easiest way to figure out how to make an order is to define the type of hitters you have.

1. Base stealer. Good contact hitter. Good eye. Highest on base percentage hitter.

2. Goes to the right side well (either lefty or righty). Good contact hitter. Can bunt. Can run.

3. Normally reserved for the best all around hitter on the team. Hits for power and average.

4. Best power hitter on the team. Best RISP hitter.

5. Second best power hitter on the team. Good RISP hitter.

6. Third best power hitter. Good RISP hitter.

7. Fourth best RISP hitter.

8. Fifth best RISP hitter.

9. This spot can be reserved for least talented hitter in the lineup or used as a second leadoff where hitter has the same characteristics as leadoff hitter.

Some points to consider when making out a lineup. Try and fill as many spots as you can with the talent you have, then fill in the rest. Mix and match as the season goes on as needed. Do not get a set lineup and stay with it if it is not working. Just because you think a hitter may deserve to hit in a certain spot does not mean it suits his/her style. Try not to stack too many lefties together. If possible, alternate lefty-righty combinations in case a lefty is brought in to pitch.

Lastly, if you have found a combination you feel works; give it some time (if you have it) and some encouragement for the players. Just because a player has a bad game or two does not mean you have to push the panic button and switch kids in and out of position. The only consideration is if a lefty is the starting pitcher, you may want to switch around your hitters.