Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Fri Feb 20 19:45:54 2004

BHL,
>
> Any thoughts on why the front foot of many major leaguers (including Bonds)are relatively closed at foot plant? Nick

Hi Nick,

I think the key lexical term is "relatively closed," and this requires definition.

First of all, what is the diction of "closed?" Well, to me, it denotes a person opening their foot 0 degrees at heel plant. Now, I am positive you are going to argue that Mark McGwire (retired)and Barry Bonds used this foot position on certain occasion. I will not dissent; certain occasions dictate its usage. But, on these occasions, they are looking to maximize the greatest amount of top hand torque on pitches that do not necessitate a great deal of hip rotation (i.e., between 60-70 degrees). You must also remember that their batspeed is so rapid that, even if the pitch is inside, they may "clank" one off the pole on the pull side of the field.

Inversely, I have seen occasions where Mac respected a hiiter's heat, and opened his front foot nearly 90 degrees. You will see Mac use this position when he hit home run number 19 in 1998 at Veterans Stadium. Early in his career, Barry, so eager to pull pitches, used to open up in a similar manner on inside heater. By doing so, the hitters are using more BHT, which requires more hip / shoulder rotation.

Ehat you probably mean, then, by "relatively," is opening the hips to a 45 degree angle. Well, if you suggested this position, you put a hitter in a position where if the pitch is wide, the shoulder rotation can slow, and more THT can be applied. Inversely, if the pitch is inside, the foot may open up to 75-80 degrees at contact as BHT is applied (i.e., more shoulder rotation), as Bonds did when chasing Mac's record. On the pitch down "Broadway," you will use both BHT and THT, and open up about 60 degrees.

Some batters can stay closed to an extremely, and spin their hips and shoulders, but you'd have to be a hell a contortionist to pull off this move!

If, by closed, you mean 45 degrees, I think it is because it offers more torque options.

Sincerely,
BHL
Knight1285@aol.com