Why Did Pete Rose Crouch When Batting?

[shredda2000]

Has anyone seen an explanation for this? Or was his batting stance just another unorthodox one...

In my younger years, I researched this question while playing summer baseball. I found that by standing in the crouched position with my head tilted down (probably too much), it looked like everthing the pitcher threw at me was a curve ball (sort of a downward spiral, much like a sinker). Maybe Pete could hit the curve/sinker the best and this is why he developed this stance?

I don't know...

[Redsland]

I always assumed he was trying to shrink his strike zone.

[Yachtzee]

I always assumed he was trying to shrink his strike zone.

That's what I had heard as well.

[Chip R]

Ants in his pants.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Ants in his pants.

I'd bet on that! ;)

[jmcclain19]

trying to hide to avoid gambling creditors?

Sorry I couldn't resist that one...

[RollyInRaleigh]

Why did Yaz hold his hands so high? Why did Eric Davis have such a "hitch." Why did Stan Musial hold his hands so low? Why did Frank Robinson stand so close to the plate? Why did Rod Carew have such an open stance? Why did Cal Ripken Jr. have so many stances?

It's what worked for them, and from a coaching perspective, if it ain't broke, don't be trying to fix it.

[OldRightHander]

I don't know the reasons, but I think over the years I've seen more crouched stances among hitters who hit for a higher average and not much power. Maybe there's something to that.

[Blimpie]

In the 'most embarrassing moment' thread, many people here have admitted to having something other than ants in their pants while on the ball field.

Pete played before the Depends heyday. Just sayin'

[jimbo]

Maybe it improved on his ability to "see" the pitch.

[RBA]

Simple, he was naturally crouching after playing craps in alleys all those years. He couldn't help it.