Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Aug 9 12:50:38 2003

>>> Your first question is easy: nevermind this stuff about bringing the bat towards the catcher! Whoever fabricated this notion did not consult with major league hitters, coaches or for that matter any reputable student of the game. For the second question, remember that squashing the bug is a reaction. Just swing naturally and let the pivot foot do what it will do. Good luck to you. <<<

Hi Coach Hughes

I think we can all agree the hitter's like Berry Bonds and Gary Sheffield have their bats cocked forward as they setup to swing. In fact, Sheffield has his bat almost pointing at the pitcher as he releases the ball. I am sure that if I were to ask either hitter if they used "Pre-launch Torque" to accelerate the bat-head back to the normal launch position, they would give me a puzzled stare or maybe even snicker a little. -- But if I asked them to demonstrate how they get their bats from the cocked forward position back to the launch position, they would exhibit the very mechanics this site verbally describes as "Pre-launch or Top-Hand - Torque."

Jack Mankin