Posted by: Art () on Fri Apr 2 08:53:36 2004

I was reading an article about hitting a 90 mile per hour fastball, and the article mentioned out of a videotape study of 29 professional hitters during batting practice and it found that all the players took a step as the pitcher released the ball: a quick step for a fastball, and a slower step for offspeed. After the stride, the batter is set to swing, and holds back if he does not like the pitch. I have been taught that you must stride before the ball is released or it will be impossible to hit the fastball, but I have found it hard to keep the hands back for a curveball. I find the first theory would make hitting seem easier, but if the stride is mistimed, I would be burned. So.... two questions:
> > >
> > > 1. Which theory for the stride is more correct and is used by the great hitters in today's game like A-Rod, Nomar, etc.?
> > >
> > > 2. What can I do to improve my curveball struggles - what do the pros do? I could look for it but I would get burned on the fastball, what will help me hit the curveball better?
> > >
> > > The link for the page I mentioned before: http://www.writingschool.com/timperrin/articles/baseball.htm
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > > Tony
> >
> > Your answer is in........"A study of 29 professional players during batting practice".
> >
> >
> Teacherman you continue to embarrass yourself. The stride starts BEFORE the ball is released. This means the hitter uses a short, long. mediul, whatever step BEFORE ball is released, which means BEFORE knowing what kind of a pitch is coming. Please retract your remarks.

Go easy on him, Teacherman's probably a beginner and a lot of beginners have the misconception that you stride after you recognize the pitch.Before modern video analysis & techniques, even some MLB players thought this was the case. Teacherman, if you film a hiiter and the pitcher from behind the backstop you will see where you went wrong with your remarks. Good luck.