Ricardo Sosa is one of the most experienced hitting coaches in the United States and his results over the years prove it. He has more than 15 years of experience in the art of teaching and in his academy he trains dozens of children, adolescents and young people who dream of playing at the highest level. Players of the stature of Miguel Cabrera, Giancarlo Stanton and Miguel Rojas have passed through his hands. As have players of Cuban heritage like J.D. Martínez, Kendry Morales,
Yoenis Céspedes and Yasmani Grandal have also been apprentices of his teachings. The native of Ciego de Ávila, Cuba left the island at the age of 18 with the goal of reaching the major leagues. He was once considered one of Arizona’s best prospects, but injuries ended his career as a professional player.
Despite everything, Sosa knew how to reinvent himself. Playing at the highest level was no longer an option, but he found out how to pass on his knowledge by dedicating all his time and effort to teaching the art of hitting. What began, perhaps, as an adventure in a park, today is a solid project when it comes to teaching hitting.
From hitting the ball on the ground to hitting it up, how much did hitting change?
I don’t think it’s that much of an upward thrust. It’s more the direction of the swing. The truth is that batting hasn’t changed much. It’s still the same, but now there is a little more technology and we know how to focus more on where the swing is going and the direction of the movement. But the swing has always been the same, the translation and the direction. Now we can see it from another point of view and angle.
The defensive change affected the offensive game, now it has been reduced quite a bit.
Without the shift it is easier to hit. The hitter has a little more space and if you hit the ball hard you will have a better chance of the ball passing through infield. If they charge people in one direction, you can hit it hard and there will still be people going in that direction. That creates more opportunity for the hitter.
Luis Arraez is a tremendous hitter, but everything seems to revolve around the home run.
Evolution will always be for the better, it is part of the life and process of a human being. Arraez is a useful player that all teams would like to have. What hurts Arraez is the money he is going to earn for the numbers he is going to put up, but he is useful for a team, everyone wants him.
Look at the case of Kyle Schwarber: .248, 38 home runs and a leadoff hitter.
Being a leadoff hitter is going to get you 30, 40 or 50 more at-bats at the end of the year. He will have a better chance of producing their than hitting fourth, fifth or seventh. It’s better way to get more opportunities for the batter. The further forward you put him, the more opportunities he will have to go to the plate.
Isn’t that the search for the home run at all costs?
It’s not about looking for the home run but about a guy who hits the ball hard, who consistently hits the ball hard. “That’s the guy who scientifically controls the game the most, capable of hitting the ball over 95 miles consistently.”
Have Cuban hitters adapted to these technologies and forms?
Cuban baseball players have always been very successful. Before technology and after it. We have a lot of talent and they have learned to work better. They are more obedient, they want to learn and develop. Before it was more difficult for a Cuban to want to learn and work. Now they come with another mentality of growing and learning.
How has your academy grown in all aspects?
I am happy. We are at peace, working focused and working consistently every day