Scouts know there are different kinds of hitters, such as long distance hitters, contact hitters, line drive hitters, and slap hitters. As Ted Williams said many times, hitting is the most difficult task in sports. Once you’ve you have found a comfortable hitting style, stay with it and keep working on it. In the meantime, the scout’s will evaluate your hitting strengths and potential.

1 - TYPE OF STROKE: Scouts first classify what kind of stroke a hitter has, short and compact, long and looping etc. The fact there is no perfect swing, should not discourage hitters.

2 - FAULTS: Scouts also check out any flaws a hitter may have. Those flaws include overstriding, bailing out on curves, dropping the back shoulder. The scout knows all these flaws are correctable, he must note them.

3 - TYPE OF HITTER: There are many different kind of hitters as identified in the following list: Aggressive (free swinger), defensive(takes lot’s of pitches), power hitter (home run swinger).

4 - POWER: Power is not restricted to home run hitters. Scouts know that a line drive hitter can have as much power in his stroke as a line drive hitter. Scouts want to see the ball “jump” off the bat.

5 - BUNTING: Bunting seems to be a lost art, so if a hitter can bunt for a hit or put down a good sacrifice bunt, that will impress the scouts. Too many kids avoid working on this skill; make sure you don’t.

Let me take this opportunity to thank the many who have commented and made known to me their enjoyment of these articles, and the insight of behind the scenes and secrets of baseball.

And to those who have wished me a warm home coming, and the kind words of a “big leaguer” being in Claiborne County, let me say it is an honor for me to be back in Claiborne County.

This week’s question comes from Abby in New Tazewell:

What is a memorable or embarrassing “thing” you have done in sports?

Abby, interesting question. I have done many but one that still stands but to me is when I was a senior in High School I took my date to my senior prom, we went straight to the photo line had our picture taken and the left straight for the ball field in a “tux.” Don’t ever do that, I don’t think my date has ever gotten over that to this day.

Johnny Smith is native of Claiborne County, Tenn., and a 1977 graduate of Powell Valley High School. He is currently under contract with the Atlanta Braves. He currently resides in Knoxville with his wife and twin daughters. Any questions, comments or speaking invitations may be directed to Smith by e-mailing him at johnnysmithscout@claiborneprogress.net.