Posted by: Mister X () on Mon Jun 9 17:12:37 2003

I've just discovered this site, so I'm beginning to immerse myself in it.
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> I've never really had much formal baseball training, though I played plenty of little league and sandlot ball in my younger days. I simply love the game, and swinging the bat in a cage is not only great exercise ofr me, but a great stress reliever.
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> I'm a big D-backs fan, and on that team alone you see a lot of interesting swings (Gonzo's open stance, the Craig Counsell stretch, etc). With all of these different styles of swings, is there really a correct way to swing the bat...or does it basically come down to what you're comfortable with?
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> I find I get my best hitting done with a slightly open stance, choked up a smidgeon on a 33" inch bat with my hands slightly apart. I don't know what a linear and what a rotational swing is, but I start with my hips and come around with the bat. I don't close up like Gonzo does, I just rip right through it. I've tried several different stances and techniques, and this way seems to provide the best combination of power and control for me. Thoughts?


Gonzo'z open stance and Counsell's high hands are what work for them. They are comfortable for them and help them get into the proper position to swing the bat. All MLB players have their own way of starting the swing (Bonds, Sheffield, etc.) which is part of their style. But most all hitters (especially the great ones) all get into the same position when the swing is started.