Posted by: Thomas (twvanya@aol.com) on Mon Jun 12 13:55:20 2000

>I have been told that it is physically imposable to watch the ball >after about 10-15 feet from the pitchers hand. Why then, is it so >important to keep your eye on the ball all the way to your bat.

If this statement is true then how in the world can umpires even come close to calling balls and strikes? If all they can do is judge by where the ball is caught, Maddux would be in big trouble. He would never get the calls that barely cross over the black. Hitters would be in a pinch as well. How many would turn to bunt if they wouldn't be able to see the ball for the last 45 ft. or so?

While I don't think a hitter can actually watch the ball hit the bat, telling them to "keep your eye on the ball all the way" is a mental reminder to keep the head steady during the swing and not pull it out which then causes a myriad of other problems.