The Role and Daily Life of Batting Practice Pitchers
Batting practice pitchers are specialized staff who throw to hitters during pre-game batting practice. Each team employs 3 to 5, throwing 150 to 250 pitches daily. Pre-game batting practice typically lasts 90 minutes, with 15 to 20 pitches per batter. The primary requirement is accurate control within the strike zone to let hitters swing comfortably. However, they must also throw inside, outside, and breaking pitches on request. Former Hanshin Tigers batting practice pitcher Taiyo Fujita said he memorized every regular hitter's preferences, delivering optimal pitch types and speeds for each.
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Second Careers for Former Professionals
Most batting practice pitchers are former professional players pursuing second careers after retirement. While pitcher backgrounds predominate, some former position players also transition. As of 2024, approximately 80% of NPB's roughly 45 batting practice pitchers are former professionals, with the remaining 20% from corporate or independent leagues. For former pros, the role offers a valuable way to stay in baseball while potentially stepping up to coaching or scouting positions. Five batting practice pitchers have been promoted to first-team pitching coach in the past decade.
Physical Demands and Technical Adaptations
Physical demands on batting practice pitchers exceed expectations. Annual pitch counts surpass 30,000, placing shoulder and elbow stress comparable to active pitchers. However, batting practice pitchers receive lower priority for trainer care, relying heavily on self-management. The Yomiuri Giants introduced a dedicated conditioning program for batting practice pitchers in 2021, a practice spreading to other teams. Technically, intentionally reducing velocity to let hitters connect can create unnatural shoulder stress. Veteran batting practice pitchers develop unique delivery mechanics that maintain control while minimizing effort.
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Current Compensation and Reform Efforts
Batting practice pitcher salaries range from 3.5 to 5.5 million yen, comparable to or slightly below same-age corporate averages. Contracts are renewed annually with limited job security, and many teams lack retirement benefit systems, making long-term career planning difficult. In 2023, the players' union petitioned NPB for improved conditions for batting practice pitchers and support staff. Since 2024, some teams have expanded social insurance coverage and introduced retirement benefits. Additionally, pilot programs now record hitter performance data during batting practice as a measure of batting practice pitcher contribution.