Posted by: Jimmy () on Thu Nov 8 13:08:26 2007

> > > >>> Great analysis work. I do want to point out on the Pete Rose clip that in frames 56 through 69 the sweet spot of Rose's bat is in a straight line with the incoming pitch the entire time (eight frames before and four frames after contact). Contact was made at frame 65.
> > >
> > > His hands do have a circular path but this CHP produces a linear bat path through the hitting zone. This is the true definition of the term "linear" in hitting terms.
> > >
> > > Your thoughts please.
> > >
> > > Jimmy >>>
> > >
> > > Hi Jimmy
> > >
> > > You state, “His hands do have a circular path but this CHP produces a linear bat path through the hitting zone.” --- A video analysis from overhead views of over a hundred MLB hitters does not support your statement. As the clip below illustrates, a plot of their bat-paths shows that the bat-head also follows a circular path.
> > >
> > > <a href="http://www.batspeed.com/media/John_CHP.wmv">Hands & bat-head take circular paths</a>
> > >
> > > Jack Mankin
> >
> > Hi Jack,
> >
> > The Pete Rose clip in my view does illustrate the linear portion of his bat path. About 8 frames before and about 4 frames after contact was made (as I described in my previous post). Do you disagree with this?
> >
> > Jimmy
>
> Jimmy,
>
> I know you want to hear from Jack, but I have a couple of questions and statements. It appears by your post that you agree that the hands take a circular path. If the hands are on a circular path how can the bat path be linear? Do you agree that the bat works around the hands? If yes, Then there is no way the bat can be linear. The only way to move the barrel linear would be to stop the CHP and push your hands at the ball. Even if you pushed the Knob of the bat at the ball and left the barrel back, so you could snap it down with your wrists once your arms were extended, the barrel would still be moving in a circular path around your hands.
>
> If the hands have a CHP and the bat is working around the hands, then the bat has to have a circular path as well.
>
> Graylon

Hi Graylon,

I understand your point, but the sweet spot of the bat does travel in a straight line for a portion of a quality swing. (See the Pete Rose clip)

You state "If the hands have a CHP and the bat is working around the hands, then the bat has to have a circular path as well."

This is what I disagree with.

The extended appendage (bat) does not exactly mimic the source of the force (hands).

The energy of the circular hand path is transfered and throws the barrel of the bat into a linear path. The bat does not work around the hands. The hitters legs, body, upper arms, forearms, and hands throw the bat into a direction, and for a portion of the swing the path that the bat is thrown in a straight line. At least the good hitters want this to occur.

Some hitters even release their top hand off the bat because this linear barrel path wants to continue and breaks free of the circular hands.

This is a bit like the circular path a discus thrower creates which transfers into a linear flight of the discus.

Anyways I'd like your thoughts if any of this makes sense.
Thanks.

Jimmy