Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Fri Jul 7 01:56:00 2000

>>>What are the pluses with the no stride way of hitting compared to stride hitting,also, is it too late to change a hitter into a no stride hitter if he is a sophomore in high school, please anyone who likes this way of hitting please write and let me know why you like it, also besides nomar and bagwell what other hitters use it succesfully.<<<

Hi Rob

I am neither a "no-stride" or "stride" advocate. I have no problem with a batter taking a "timing step." In fact, I think taking a small stride has some advantages as a triggering device, especially for those who are used to taking a stride. My problem is with those (batters included) who think a forward movement or weight transfer develops energy for the swing. This in just not true -- the energy for the swing comes from the rotation of the body around a stationary axis. So it is alright to take a timing step as long as you come to full balance (no forward movement) before rotation. --- Note: Many hitters rotate around a stationary axis -- only a very few have transfer mechanics that can convert that energy into great bat speed.

No Rob, I don't think being a sophomore is to late to learn good mechanics. Terry Pendleton at age 30 had a 260 BA - 6 HR life time average for the Cardinals. The next year he showed up in Atlanta with rotational mechanics and became the National Leagues MVP with a BA of around 340 and 30+ HR (great for that time). There is a growing list of players today with results similar to Terry's.

Jack Mankin