By: Louie Chiang

In the ever-changing world of baseball, where power and numbers matter most, the unique skill of intentionally hitting foul balls has all but vanished. Once admired as a display of exceptional bat control, this uncommon ability favored by contact-oriented hitters is now a rare sight on the field.

Gone are the days when batters excelled at fighting off difficult pitches on the edge of the strike zone, extending their at-bats while waiting for a better chance. Nowadays, the focus is on making hard hits rather than defensively protecting the plate.

This shift in approach is due to changes in strategy and statistical analysis. With new technology, teams rely on data and metrics like exit velocity to evaluate a batter’s performance. As a result, intentionally fouling off pitches has lost its appeal.

While the rate of foul balls hasn’t changed much, some current players doubt if intentionally hitting them is even possible. Few present-day players possess the skill shown by past contact hitters like Pierre LePage or Tony Gwynn.

However, as baseball continues to evolve, there is hope that the crafty, contact-oriented hitter will make a comeback. Recent changes, such as rules governing pitch timing and defensive positioning, have created a faster game with more opportunities for players who can bunt and skillfully control the bat.

While power and home runs will always have a place in the game, the return of a well-rounded, contact-oriented hitter who can bunt and hit behind runners may not be far off. A diverse lineup with players who can exploit gaps in the defense may bring back the art of fouling off pitches.

In the end, baseball has a way of surprising us and old skills may find a new life on the field.