Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Fri Jan 16 14:31:42 2004

>>> Isn't it because the ball is coming in between 90-100 mph?If you were to look at the most powerful slow pitch softball players you will see the longer stride you speak of.Many slow pitch guys that have taken thousands of cuts trying to find the most powerful swing arrive at a position with their feet closer together so they can take a longer stride. <<<

Hi 55

I doubt that the speed of the pitch is the major factor for determining the length of stride. There are a number of hitters with longer strides that do quite well against 90-100 mph balls. I also noted that most hitters in the Home Run Derbies, where power is the name of the game, do not lengthen their stride even though the pitches are much slower.

I think the main reason most average hitters generate more power with longer strides is because they are predominately back-side hitters. Taking a longer stride to a firmer front-leg allows the back-side to come around the posted front-side (back to center). This would be a more powerful move for those whose power is generated mainly from the extension of the back-arm.

The best hitters use more pulling back (toward the catcher) of the lead-side and less extension of the back-side. Transferring more weight forward with a longer stride does not enhance generating a more powerful pulling back motion of the lead-shoulder. --- Most of the good hitters who take longer strides exhibit more Top-hand-Torque and less Bottom-Hand-Torque (A-Rod). Hitters with more balance of Bottom-Hand-Torque and Top-Hand-Torque (Bonds), tend to use softer strides for more lead-shoulder pull. --- Regardless of the length of stride (softball or baseball), average hitters drive the top-hand forward at initiation thereby accelerating the knob instead of the bat-head.

Jack Mankin