Posted by: Doug () on Mon Apr 21 13:26:57 2003

We all are looking for the right swing mechanics, and most of us here agree that rotational is the way to go. What many don't or won't understand is that successful hitters have a feel for hitting. They have timing and a feel for when to start the swing. They have a feel and idea of what to look for when at bat. They have a feel and understanding of what they can and can't do. They have a feel and understanding of what the pitcher is trying to do. A hitter can have great mechanics, but if he has little feel for hitting, he will struggle. If he has a good feel for hitting he will have success.
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> > > Mr. Obvious just posted. That is why most MLB hitters can't describe what they do. They would be horrible coaches because it comes natural to them. The question is, how do "normal" hitters get that natural feeling? My guess is practice and repetition.
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> > Mr. Noname, When you say most MLB hitters can't describe what they do, is that from personal experience? Have you taken a poll of the MLB hitters and asked them questions on hitting? The only people that I hear saying that are guys that did not play. I wonder why all the hitting coaches in the major and minor leagues are ex players instead of guys that never played? They must all be poor coaches if what you said is true. What is taught that can only be taught by someone who has been there is the mental side of hitting. 4000-5000 AB's will teach a man a lot about hitting that he can pass on to the young players. 0 AB's will pass on 0 experience and a lot of guessing.
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> That knowledge is called common sense. If MLB players were very good teachers and knew what they were doing, how come we don't see them starting there own hitting schools? I realize that not all of them would desire to start their own hitting schools, but would NONE of them? I don't know of ANY MLB player that sells, or even gives away, hitting lessons. And I mean actual lessons, not just pieces of advice.
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> And that is exactly what hitting coaches do. I, for one do not really believe in hitting coaches. As you pointed out, they are just former MLB players. They don't really know the details of hitting like some "non-players" do (say a guy named Jack Mankin, or even Charlie Lau if you believe his mechanics). Their purpose is to try to give pieces of advice to players that are slumping. They don't have an active role in controling a players swing, and basically, the position "Hitting Coach" is a way for former players to hold on to the game. Most can only give the slumping players, cues that worked for them. If someone actually knew what was going on and could really teach hitting, he would be very well known, and wanted by many teams. In fact, he would probably be promoted to a higher status than hitting coach. When is the last time you heard of a Hitting Coach switching teams? When managers change teams it's a big deal. Why? Because they can affect the teams success. Hitting coaches can't really affect the teams success and therefore no one really cares about them.

Once again you make reference to what MLB hitters know and what they don't know. Have you ever sat down and talked with a few ex-major league hitters about the swing and the mental aspect of hitting? As far as ex players having their own schools, how about Mike Epstein and Ed Sprague Jr. They are ex major leaguers and now teach. How about Terry Whitfield, Brad Wellman and Joe Rudi in N. California.Do some reserch and you will find out that many ex big leaguers are now teaching hitting.

Doug