Posted by: dougdinger () on Wed Jul 23 19:06:35 2003

Ted Williams says it's the top hand since it gives the power in the swing. Tony Gwynn says its the bottom hand since it guides the bat through the hitting zone. What would you guys say?
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> > Ted worked hard at strengthening his left hand, as he was right handed except for his swing. The hands work as a unit, and my recommendation would be to try and get your hands as strong as you can and equal in strength so it will be easier for them to work together. Strength is so important if you want to hit the ball hard and far, and the hands are what holds onto the bat.
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> FOR MOST PLAYERS WHO KEEP BOTH HANDS ON THE BAT THEIR TOP HAND IS MORE DOMINANT AS IT DIRECTS THE BAT MORE. (T. WILLIAMS) FOR MOST BATTERS WHO RELEASE THEIR TOP HAND THE BOTTOM HAND IS MORE DOMINANT AS IT PULLS THE BAT THROUGH THE CONTACT AREA FOR GREATER EXTENSION THROUGH THE SWING. (G. BRETT)
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> > If you release your top hand and let it guide the bat through the strike zone, that sounds like you're swinging the bat one-handed and making contact one handed. Where is the power in that? And why not take your stance with one hand on the bat?