Posted by: Coach C () on Thu Nov 20 22:23:46 2003

>>> When the legs action is excessive, pre-launch bat-sweep normally is excessive as well. When the legs are quiet pre-launch is less severe. I think Gwynn, Carew, Boggs and Rose were quiet hitters......quiet with what? The legs. Could this be why great hitters often times express the need to feel fast hands. But what they are really feeling is slower legs. Slower legs shortens the swing, thus making us quicker, but not necessarily faster. There is a trade off Jack....more leg/hip/torso action more bat sweep (normally). Less/leg/hip torso action more consistancy and higher average. George Brett had very minimal bat sweep and today is still the best hitter I ever saw (after Bonds of course). <<<
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> Hi Coach C
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> Your first statement, “When the legs action is excessive, pre-launch bat-sweep normally is excessive as well. When the legs are quiet pre-launch is less severe.” This statement is quite puzzling to me. We refer to the mechanic as “pre-launch torque” because it occurs prior to the full initiation of the swing and body rotation. Therefore, the legs have not yet been triggered to drive rotation. They would obviously be “quiet” during the pre-launch phase.
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> You also stated, “George Brett had very minimal bat sweep and today is still the best hitter I ever saw (after Bonds of course).” I agree that George was a great hitter, but disagree about his having minimal bat sweep. As George took his stride, he wrapped the bat behind his head to where the barrel pointed between the shortstop and second base. He certainly did not initiate his swing with the bat still wrapped. George swept the bat back through the launch position, but started with the bat low behind his head instead of more vertical like Bagwell.
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> Jack Mankin
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How about excessive bat sweep equals more active legs? This would be a more accurate description. Just like in running where faster arm arm swing equals faster legs. There seems to be a connection between the two.

Coach C