Why do you top the baseball?

Answer 1

Topping a Baseball can occur when you do not get a very good read on the pitch. If you are looking for a fastball and a curveball is thrown, there is a good chance you will not read the pitch very well causing you to swing above the ball, either missing it or topping the ball. This can happen with any combination of pitches. That is why its always good to expect anything to be thrown.