Posted by: The Black Hole Lexicographer (Knight1285@aol.com) on Mon Aug 28 21:08:28 2000

Hi
> > > Recently I have noticed that in the swing of the top major league hitters, like Piazza, Griffey, Bonds, etc., their back leg seems to rotate and at the same time drop to the point at which the calf is parallel to the ground. Also I have noted that the front leg and foot lands at about a 45 degree angle with the plate and pitcher's mound, and is slightly flexed. It then straightens. I would like to know your thoughts on the subject, Jack, and what exactly the legs should be doing throughout the swing.
> > > Thanks,
> > > Joe
> > >
> > Dear Joe,
> > I, too, have pondered over this very precept myself, giving it much thought and review. It was from videotapes that I have seen major league hitters such as Ralph Kiner, Harmon Killebrew, Mark McGwire (in 1995 on some swings producing home runs), in such a position that the calf/lower back leg is parellel to the ground, while the thigh/upper part of the back leg is perpendicular to the ground, thereby forming a 90 degree angle, and, to be specific, a perfect "L" at contact. I have discovered that such hitters amass high home run frequency totals. The straight "L" certainly has merit, and should be researched as a physiogeometric model of driving the back hip with authority.
> >
> > Feel free to respond Joe; and if you want specific references, ?I will provide them. Also, do not forget about that Mantle made a straight "L" numerous times when homering for the Yankees.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > The Black Hole Lexicographer
> > Knight1285@aol.com
> > >
>
> Hi:
> To keep the upper body back without locking up the hips, the back leg must have the "L" shape, assuming the back heel is substantially off the gound.
> Bill
>
>Bill,
I must concur with your agreement about the "L," although I have found many times rotational hitters and successful line drive hitters have much more of an "L" shape in their back leg than punch-and-judy hitters, who I classify as "weak" hitters. What is funny is some have tremendous potential for batspeed, and that can only hasppen if the bend their back leg a little more and stay balanced, as opposed to consistently lunging.

Sincerely,
The Black Hole Lexicographer
Knight1285@aol.com