Posted by: Swing Dr. (c606@yahoo.com) on Wed Aug 27 07:38:29 2003

It depends. Stances vary based on the individual and have more to do with comfort than substance. Typically, an open stance is used to correct a timing problem. Let's take the extreme case; Tony Batista of the Baltimore Orioles. He is WIDE open with his hands out in front of his body. Very awkward for most hitters. However, Tony uses this as a timing mechanism. You will see as the pitcher begins his delivery, Tony moves his hands back, picks up his lead foot, then steps towards home plate closing in on the ball in a timed sequence. He first used this stance in winter ball to correct himself from stepping in the bucket. It forces him to step towards the ball rather than pull off it. Most hitters that use unconventional stances find themselves back to "normal" hitting position at the objective or "contact point" of the swing anyhow. Therefore, the stance is used as an approach, or timing mechanism to get to that point. Other than that, there is no advantage to using an open stance unless you are using it to correct a problem.