"Hitting is business. With two strikes you really protect that plate"
About this Quote
The second sentence is where the subtext tightens. “With two strikes you really protect that plate” is practical instruction, but it’s also a philosophy of risk. Two strikes isn’t just a count; it’s a countdown. The batter’s freedom narrows, ego has to shrink, and survival becomes the priority. “Protect” suggests something almost defensive and territorial: the plate is yours to guard, and the pitcher is trying to evict you from it. That word choice turns the confrontation into a small negotiation with consequences, not a heroic swing-for-the-fences moment.
Context matters here: Terry played in a game defined by contact hitting, long seasons, and the expectation that stars acted like craftsmen. His phrasing echoes that culture of workmanlike excellence - a reminder that discipline isn’t glamourous, it’s repeatable. The quote still resonates because it captures a truth modern fans recognize in any high-stakes environment: when options disappear, technique and humility become your edge.
Quote Details
| Topic | Sports |
|---|---|
| Source | Help us find the source |
| Cite |
Citation Formats
APA Style (7th ed.)
Terry, Bill. (2026, January 17). Hitting is business. With two strikes you really protect that plate. FixQuotes. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/hitting-is-business-with-two-strikes-you-really-43535/
Chicago Style
Terry, Bill. "Hitting is business. With two strikes you really protect that plate." FixQuotes. January 17, 2026. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/hitting-is-business-with-two-strikes-you-really-43535/.
MLA Style (9th ed.)
"Hitting is business. With two strikes you really protect that plate." FixQuotes, 17 Jan. 2026, https://fixquotes.com/quotes/hitting-is-business-with-two-strikes-you-really-43535/. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.




