Posted by: george stanley (saint_george13@yahoo.com) on Fri Jan 4 13:50:58 2008

> > I agree with the rotational hitting theory promoted by bat speed. I have one concern with "hiding the hands". How beneficial is it to hide the hands during the pitch rather than just start with the hands hidden? I've had some hitters coil to late, to much, etc. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
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> Ted Williams and GRiffey Jr on numerous occasions started with the hands hidden. A lot depends on the ability of the player. The more abiility the more the hitter can get away with techniques that deviate from the norm. Otherwise everyone would bat nearly the same etc....and use the same techniques. Some hitters can bench press 400 pounds while other 200. Some players have less restricted movements and more fluid swings. Some players have much more lower body strength. Some players have better eyesight (pick up the ball sooner than others. So basically it all depends on the individual.


HIDING THE HANDS

should be square one... the first order of business is SAFETY FIRST!!
IF YOU SHOW YOUR HANDS AT ANY TIME, YOU RUN THE RISK OF ENDING YOUR SEASON ON THE NEXT PITCH!!!how many times do hitters with too open stances & their hands showing or their arms extended out over the plate or away from their torso end up getting whacked on the hands
by an inside pitch they cannot turn away from fast enough because they are faceup to the pitcher & ball coming at them?

you should hide your hands behind your lead shoulder.. & KEEP THEM THERE UNTIL YOU LAUNCH!!! if you do, you will be able to turn your front side to the ball & protect your hands from getting whacked.. this way you live to fight another day.. ask lyle overbay, vlad,adam kennedy,sosa (5+ years ago)... countless others have been smacked on the bat handle & JUST MISSED losing their season.. happens fat too much in MLB... all because the hitters are too openstanced, & have their hands showing prio to launch... bad.
good mechannics are good mechanics. good stances are good stances.. i believe there is only one optimum stance & one good optimum swing,
(of course depending on the individual game circumstances)so therefore everyone SHOULD bat the same..