Posted by: THG () on Sun Nov 18 19:21:58 2007

> Does anyone know why some Major League hitters consistently release the top hand and some do not?
>
> Does anyone know why hitters in the Major Leagues are successful with either style?
>
> Jimmy


Jimmy. Nowadays it seems to be the style of this day in the game. On this site it is thought that the tophand release does not really make a diffence since on a solid hit ball the ball has already left the bat before the tophand releases.

Personally after viewing Manny Ramirez take batting practice on an online site it appears the top hand release is used to promote full extension. The late Charlie Lau believe the top hand release promoted extension as well.

The key of course is to make sure the hitter actually makes full use of the power in both hands as opposed to using the top hand release to slap at the ball. From personal experience I have noted that the top hand release can aid a player in additional reach for a pitch that is outside his strike zone when he is fooled or on a borderline pitch in an effort to spoil the pitchers pitch.

In this day and age it would appear that the 2 hand approach is more for hitters who just wish to feel they are using both hands effectively or who already get great extension and plate coverage. EX. Prince Fielder, Geoff Jenkins.

*NOTE* Before Barry Bonds was into the big weightlifting etc...he used the two hand appoach more often than not as did Mark McGwire. It is sad that it is presumed that both men cheated because neither had to cheat and the likely could have avoid extended injury from the abuse their bodies took. McGwire especially at six foot five 225 pounds as a rookie had more than enough power. I can still remember how easily he hit the ball 440 plus feet to straight away center in old Tiger stadium as a rookie using the two handed swing. He is one of the few hitters who made Yankee stadiums "death valey" look small before all the allegations.