Purpose: Pitch speed is considered synonymous with pitching success. In years past, the accuracy of a pitch was paramount but in recent years this has been deprioritized as compared with pitch speed. Over the years, batters have adapted to higher pitching speeds so pitch strategy and placement may be more important. Our hypothesis was that pitching accuracy associated with intended pitch location would be a significant factor in pitching success in Major League Baseball (MLB). Methods: To study this, we studied multiple facets of a pitch, including pitch accuracy, to assess the association between pitch accuracy and batter outcome in over 1000 at bats in over 20 randomly selected games during the 2022 MLB season. Our primary goal was to determine if there was an association between pitch accuracy, after controlling for confounders, and batting average against (BAA) and slugging percentage (SLG). Results: We found that at bats in which the last pitch hit the intended spot reduced batter success by greater than 50%. Higher pitching speed was not associated with success partly because it was associated with lower accuracy. If a pitch was accurate, after adjusting for other variables, it was 3.28 times more likely to be successful. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that pitching accuracy is a highly important skill in determining the success of pitchers, beyond that of other traditional pitching features. Future studies to automate this work and integrate machine learning and predictive modeling could be used to optimize pitcher success or identify the most accurate pitchers. Applications in Sport: This study demonstrates that pitching accuracy is a critical determinant of success in Major League Baseball (MLB), with accurate pitches reducing batter success rates, including batting average and slugging percentage, by over 50%. While pitch speed has traditionally been prioritized, this research highlights that accuracy has a far greater impact on outcomes, as accurate pitches are more than three times as likely to succeed. These findings challenge the current emphasis on velocity, suggesting that focusing on accuracy could optimize performance and reduce injury risks for pitchers.
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