Posted by: Coach C () on Wed Apr 7 19:39:21 2004

>
> > Pulling all pitches in no way, shape or form, cures poor transfer mechanics. The majority of hitters extend their arms to pull baseballs........this is a no-no!
> >
> > For the record a baseball field is set up with center field being the furthest, why do you suppose it's set up that way? Maybe it's because too many home runs would be hit if it were closer than left and right. So where is the power really to left or center. I would suggest that optimizing a straight ball to a square bat (perpendicular) increases the collision factor. As opposed to not squaring the bat to the incoming the pitch. The latter increases the likehood of putting undesireable side-spin on the ball and minimizing the sweet spot, ie....top-spin roller, etc. Bonds is strong enough to hit balls out by pulling, but his farthest balls will always be to dead center......better collision factor.
> >
> > Only my opinion, so for those that want to pull........do it.
> >
> > For many of us, hitting the ball up the middle (assuming good tranfer mechanics), minimizes any potential timing errors. Bonds pulls the ball, Pujols, Ramirez and A-Rod try to go middle. I think looking at their spray charts would bare this out.
> >
> > Coach C
>
> Hi Coach C,
>
> Frank Thomas proves that even with less hitting surface (i.e., broken bats), pulled balls result in home runs when hit to the shortest part of the field, due to the bat-speed created.
>
> This also means everyone can be a home run hitter. All one needs to do is practice pulling every ball until they can "yank" them all 360 feet consistently. Go the center, and these are outs.
>
> The majority of Ott's 511 home runs were pulled to the shortest field of the Polo Grounds--right. Had this left-handed hitter hit to center, he would be unable to homer consistently.
>
> Just look at Ott--he is a promise for hitters of small stature aspiring to hit 40+ home runs.
>
> Sincerely,
> BHL
> Knight1285@aol.com
>
> As always, your input is insightful.

I'll tell you what....if a hitter tells me he is successful by trying to pull the ball, I'm going tell him to keep doing it. However, from a mechanical perspective I want to know why it's working. As for the hitter who dominates the game by going the other way......I'm going to encourage that as well.

I'm not discounting it, because I don't know everything. However, for my Son he tends to get his body too far ahead of the hands and drags the bat, but when we go middle/away....he does considerbly better. Go figure?

I enjoy being challenged to think out of the box.....so keep it up.

Thanks,

Coach C