Can Video Games Actually Make You a Better Hitter?
Hey kids: next time Mom and Dad gripe about your time spent on video games, drop this stat—Athletics’ rookie Jacob Wilson is hitting .338, and he swears his secret sauce is… Fortnite.
Batting cages. Weighted balls. Film sessions. That’s what you expect to hear when an MLB rookie credits something for his success.
But Fortnite?
“I’m a big believer in video games,” Wilson told ESPN. “It’s fast decision-making strategy. I think that gets me ready for the game, because when you’re in the box, you have to process a lot.”
Fortnite might look like a shoot-‘em-up free-for-all, but it demands quick reflexes, constant pattern recognition, and adaptability under pressure. Sounds a lot like facing 100 mph heat.
🎮 Gaming as Mental Reps
Wilson’s comments highlight something parents and coaches often miss: elite players aren’t just training their bodies. They’re training their minds.
Games like Fortnite aren’t brainless. They force you to:
- Process visual info fast
- React under pressure
- Switch strategies on the fly
- Adapt when everything’s going sideways
That’s hitting in a nutshell.
In baseball, a hitter has less than half a second to judge pitch type, speed, and location—and make a swing decision. Wilson says gaming keeps that decision-making engine running.
📱 Parents, Don’t Panic Yet
If your kid loves video games, don’t hit the eject button just yet.
Wilson’s story is proof that not all screen time is wasted time. The key? Balance and purpose.
⚖️ Turn Gaming Into a Training Edge
Want to make video games work for your child? Try this:
1. Ask questions:
- What do you learn when you lose?
- How do you make decisions fast?
2. Connect it to baseball:
- What’s harder: reading a pitch or a Fortnite ambush?
3. Set boundaries:
- No games after 9pm. Keep sleep sacred.
4. Make it collaborative:
- Watch or play with them. Ask them to explain their moves. You’ll learn more than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can video games really improve baseball performance?
Yes—games like Fortnite can boost reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and decision-making, all of which are critical in hitting and fielding.
2. What video games help with baseball skills?
Fast-paced games like Fortnite, MLB The Show and Super Mega Baseball can sharpen focus, timing, and cognitive flexibility.
3. Should parents encourage their kids to play Fortnite for training?
In moderation, yes. When balanced with real-world practice, cognitive gaming can be a helpful supplement—not a replacement—for athletic development.
4. Are there any risks to using video games as training tools?
Overuse and late-night gaming can disrupt sleep or limit physical activity. Boundaries and balance are key.
5. What’s the ideal age to start combining video games with baseball training?
Cognitive benefits can begin in the pre-teen years, but it’s most effective when paired with physical reps, proper coaching, and age-appropriate limits.
💬 Final Thought: The Game is Changing
Jacob Wilson isn’t saying you should drop your glove for a controller. He’s saying mental skills matter—and Fortnite just happens to be part of his toolkit.
Today’s best players aren’t just gym rats. They’re cognitive athletes. They know how to read patterns, stay calm under fire, and adjust in real time.
Whether it’s a split-finger or a storm circle, the brain doesn’t care. It just processes what’s next.
Fortnite won’t replace reps. But for Jacob Wilson, it’s part of the edge.
Message to parents: Junior might not be wasting his life on video games after all. Two words: Jacob Wilson.
