Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Sat Jan 24 22:33:33 2004

Dear Jack,
> >
> > If you use CHP, BHT, and THT to generate batspeed--and preach not using arm strength to generate power--then can a person who practices these mechanics lefty (assuming they have the coordination to bat that way) hit as far as they can righty? If I read you correctly, and if only the three components mentioned above play a major role in bat speed, then what side of the plate you bat from should have little or no effect on how far the ball is hit, right?
> >
> > Please answer ASAP.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > BHL
> > Knight1285@aol.com
>
>
> If you are the same strength from both sides and are at equal stages from both sides of the plate with your rotational mechanics you can hit the ball the same distance. You might need to have a carbon copy swing each way though. You can't just pick up a bat lefty when you've been hitting righty all of your life and just go yard however.

Dear Jack,

Dave A. makes a solid argument. However, have you ever read a book entitled "How to Play Winning Baseball," written by Arthur C. Mann, and forwarded by Ford Frick, former commissioner in baseball? In the book, it references an instance when Babe Ruth--who never hit righty in his life--switched to that side "during a wild hitting spree at Shibe Park" (the umpire was named Dineen). He hit a couple of long home runs before finally striking out, and deciding to abort the idea altogether.

What this tells me Jack is that a good rotational swing--when practiced correctly--will give you give you the same distance from both sides of the plate. Am I correct?

Sincerely,
BHL
Knight1285@aol.com

P.S. Thank you Dave A. for the timely reply.