Pitchers Who Rake: Hitting Tips from MLB Coach Tyler Green


Jun 23, 2025

 by Tyler Green
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Who Says Pitchers Can’t Hit? | How Two-Way Players Are Changing the Game

 

At The Facility in Prescott, Arizona, we hear it all the time:

“Pitchers don’t hit.”
“Focus on your mechanics — leave the hitting to the position guys.”

But pitchers like Coach Tyler Green completly shattered that myth with his accuracy and power (check out the video here).

Tyler — a former MLB All-Star and first-round pick with the Philadelphia Phillies — is known for his command and mound presence. But his swing? 🔥 Let’s just say he could rake with the best of them.

And he’s not alone.

⚾️ Pitchers Who Can Rake – Yes, They Exist

Here are a few MLB and college pitchers who’ve turned heads with their bats:

🧨 Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Dodgers

  • The ultimate modern two-way player.

  • In 2023: 44 HR, .304 BA, 10-5 pitching record, 3.14 ERA

  • Proves you don’t have to choose between hitting and pitching — you can excel at both.

💪 Zack Greinke – Former MLB All-Star

  • Known for being one of the best hitting pitchers of his era.

  • Career: .225 BA, 9 HR, 34 RBI

  • Once batted cleanup in an interleague game — as a pitcher!

🚀 Michael Lorenzen – Former Reds/Tigers pitcher

  • Known for playing outfield and hitting during his time in Cincinnati.

  • Hit 7 career MLB home runs, including a grand slam.

🎓 Paul Skenes (LSU) – 2023 No. 1 overall pick

  • In college, threw 100+ mph on the mound and hit .314 with 13 HR in a season.

🎯 Why Today’s Pitchers Should Learn to Hit

At the youth and high school levels, being a two-way player is not only common — it’s a huge competitive edge. Even college recruiters love versatile athletes who can compete on both sides of the ball.

Developing your swing:

  • Keeps your body balanced and athletic

  • Builds your understanding of strike zone discipline

  • Increases total playing time and team value

Bottom line: pitchers who hit stay in the lineup longer and learn how to win from both sides of the game.

🔧 Tips for Pitchers Who Want to Hit Better

  1. Treat the Cage Like the Mound
    Be intentional with your warmup. Don’t just hack — focus on timing, contact points, and zone awareness.

  2. Study Pitches from Both Angles
    Being a pitcher makes you a smarter hitter. Use that to your advantage. Look for patterns, counts, and cues.

  3. Incorporate Rotational Power Work
    Use med ball throws, band-resisted swings, and hip-mobility drills to build torque and bat speed.

  4. Train with Coaches Who Understand Both
    At The Facility, coaches like Tyler Green offer private instruction that bridges both sides of the ball — so pitchers can sharpen their swing without compromising their arm.

🏠 Train Like a Pro, Close to Home

Whether you're a youth athlete dreaming of varsity ball or a high school player hoping to go D1, The Facility is the only place in Northern Arizona where you can train with MLB-level experience — without driving to Phoenix.

📍 Located in Prescott, AZ
🎯 Offering:

  • Private hitting & pitching lessons

  • Batting cage and pitching tunnel rentals

  • Specialized coaching with MLB pros like Tyler Green

💥 Ready to Prove Pitchers Can Hit?

📽️ Watch Tyler Green at the plate
📅 Book a session: www.thefacilityaz.com
📞 Have questions? Call or text us (928) 224-8970‬