Is there any reason for opposing pitchers to still throw first-pitch strikes to Billy Burns? The A’s speedster is batting .484 with a 1.208 OPS on first pitches, with 95 of his plate appearances ending after just one pitch.
At some point, Burns decided to take advantage of the fact that pitchers throw a lot of first pitch strikes, ignoring the adage that patience is a virtue. It’s worked for Burns, who has hit three home runs and knocked in 15 RBIs on those one-pitch at-bats. He also has an astonishing 46 hits, including seven doubles and three triples, and he’s swiped seven bags after reaching base on the first pitch.