Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday, already recognized as one of baseball’s promising young talents, carries more than just his own potential into the MLB. As the son of former baseball star Matt Holliday, Jackson benefits from guidance rooted in a deep understanding of hitting. During an August 8 interview on MLB Network, Jackson discussed the blunt hitting advice his father has given him, explaining what has helped him approach the plate with confidence. When asked by Albert Pujols about his father’s tips for hitting success, Jackson revealed that Matt Holliday simply tells him to,
“Try to hit the pitcher in the face.”
Albert Pujols responded with a chuckle, saying,
“That sounds like Matty.”
This exchange highlights the straightforward, gritty mentality Matt Holliday instilled in his son.
Jackson elaborated, explaining how his father approaches hitting advice with simplicity and focus:
“He goes back to, whenever I’m struggling, he’s like ‘Where are your sights?’ I’m like, ‘Honestly, I have no idea. I’m just trying to hit the ball,’”
and added,
“He’s like, ‘Just try to hit the pitcher in the face.’ He has always kept it very simple. We talk a lot about approach, not so much about the mechanics of the swing. Just making sure I’m in a good spot to hit fastballs to the middle of the field.”
Jackson summarized his father’s philosophy clearly:
“That’s kind of his philosophy, is be ready for the heater and try to hit the pitcher in the face. That’s what his go-to [advice] is.”
The Legacy of Matt Holliday and Its Influence on Jackson
Matt Holliday‘s 15-year MLB career left a lasting mark, with a .299 batting average, an .889 OPS, and 316 home runs. His seven MLB All-Star selections, the 2007 National League Championship Series MVP award, and four Silver Slugger trophies illustrate his skill and consistency as a hitter. Known for his determined and no-nonsense style, Matt Holliday earned admiration from fans and teammates alike. This approach to hitting has evidently shaped the way he mentors Jackson, focusing on the mental and strategic elements of the game rather than solely technique.
Jackson’s reception of this advice underlines the valuable lessons passed from father to son, as the young player learns not only the mechanics but also the mindset required to succeed at the major league level. The emphasis on a confident, aggressive approach at the plate reflects Matt Holliday’s own playing style, which was marked by grit and perseverance.
Jackson Holliday’s Progress Shows Promise and Growth
Jackson Holliday continues to develop his skills as he adjusts to the challenges of major league pitching. While his combined on-base plus slugging (OPS) over the course of his first two seasons stands at .654, his improvement to a .694 OPS this year, along with 14 home runs, indicates he is making important strides. These encouraging numbers suggest that Jackson’s approach, influenced by his father’s advice, is starting to pay dividends as he gains more experience and confidence.
At 21 years old, Jackson still has ample time to refine his abilities and mature into the elite hitter that fans and analysts anticipate. His growth trajectory, supported by the guidance of Matt Holliday, points toward a promising future in the MLB.
The connection between Matt and Jackson Holliday not only highlights family legacy within professional baseball but also emphasizes how foundational hitting wisdom can help shape a player’s success over time. As Jackson continues to build on his father‘s teachings, Baltimore Orioles fans will be watching closely to see how far this next-generation talent can go.