Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Aug 9 11:21:02 2003

>>>If your thesis that torque from the opposing force of the hands on the bat is correct, it should follow that, for the same amount of opposing force, seperating the hands should create more torque. Any comments?<<<

Hi Jeff,

Separating the hands would create more torque, but you would lose speed (the farther the hands are apart, the slower they move). Most players can generate enough torque with the hands together, so the additional torque would be wasted and sacrifice bat speed. Also, since the bat is in contact with the ball for such a short period of time, it is not necessary to drive the bat through contact. In contrast, separating the hands would be beneficial if you were cutting a 4 foot swath of grass with a scythe where continuous torque is needed.

Think of separating the hands as using the biggest rear sprocket on a bicycle when riding on level ground - sure you would have more torque, but it is wasted and speed is lost.

Jack Mankin