Posted by: Hank () on Tue Apr 13 06:58:58 2004

Thanks SBK
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > You are certainly right I am not bashing anyone in this post. In fact I acutally use rotational mechanics in my own swing and the swing that I teach others. I am just pointing out that teaching a nine year old to imitate the "exact" movements of a big leaguer is unrealistic and sometimes even counter productive for the child. Now do not get me wrong, using many of the movements are very productive but I challenge BHL to swing that 5 pound sledge hammer perform perfect mechanics.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I was mearly pointing out to many of the people reading these posts that not all ideas should be applied to every player from little league to the major leagues.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Dave
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Hi Dave,
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I "accept" the challange. It seems as if you use physiological development to decide which "habits" befit the bodies of age pool.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Yet who "decides?" Coaches.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > So there will be not doubt where my intention lies, I wish, at this time, to applaud all instructors encouraging children to play in Little League.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > What I am concerned about, though, is a coach trying to correct a child in a recreational league who wishes to emulate major league hitters. Some of these coaches even play children according who accepts or rejects their hitting philosophy.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Seen in this light, the entire youth league organization began with the purest of intentions, but turned tyrannical far too rapidly to give any youth a chance to adjust.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > If I remember correctly, Ted Williams played sandlot baseball, where there were no coaches, just enthusiastic dreamers. According to Ted's memoirs in "The Science of Hitting," he was always emulating the precise movements of "Foxx," "Greenberg," and others. Seen in this light, we can argue children learned better when they emulated the sluggers than when some loquacious theoritician told the child to cease copying the nuances of professional hitters, and threatened them with benching if they defied orders.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Here is some simple advice--do not try to force philosophies on a youngster. Instead, designate areas where they can play the game, free from adult interferrence!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > After all, Williams listened to the pros, not some adult. It's about time that the children followed suit, and their game returns to innocence.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Sincerely,
> > > > > > BHL
> > > > > > Knight1285@aol.com
> > > > >
> > > > > Speaking of loquacious theoreticians, did you see Barry Bonds hit a double down the left field line by not trying to pull the outside pitch after he had popped up to left field trying to pull it earlier.
> > > >
> > > > What about Delgado pulling the outside pitch into the rightfield seats? You might as well admit it, BHL has made some good points. You know what they say, if you can't beat them join them! Time for you to get on board.
> > >
> > > Welcome to the site Teacherman. Sounds like you have a lot to learn and all of us are here to help you learn the ropes. I would especially recommend you buying Jack's DVD, plus his original tape if that's still available. Also I think John Eliott is in Southern California (I don't know where you are). I'm sure any questions we can't answer Jack, BHL, Tom or others can. Good luck in your quest for knowledge at the best site in baseball!
> >
> > You've never answered my question. Lanier or McRae?
>
> Hi Teacherman,
>
> I remember William Shakespeare, in "Romeo and Juliet," posing the question: "What's in a name?" before answering it "A rose by any other name will smell as sweet." Specifically, he meant that a rose would still maintain the same distinguishing traits, regardless of whether it is called a pointsetta, a lilac, or a petunia. This means that the form stays the same.
>
> Now, I understand that professionals might argue that that they have been involved in the game longer than amateurs, and many times the former show it in their thinking. However, sometimes individuals from the latter group forward great ideas, but the hierarchy just returns their ideas without dignifying with a response. Perhaps they are threatened that amateurs can perceive ideas unimaginable in the pros, due in large part to their socialization in a realm of hitting adages.
>
> In the end, it really is irrelevant whether a professional or an amateur gives the advice. Like the form of the rose, logical thoughts will remain logical, regardless of who utters them.
>
> Sincerely,
> BHL
> Knight1285@aol.com

BHL, you made an eloquent point that logic trumps credentials. Nevertheless, if you couple logic with credentials, that makes the case that much stonger. In my case, I played pro ball, including 2 years in the majors before a career-ending knee injury, so I have credentials to back up my full agreement with most of what you have said. Since no one else can counter my credentials or your logic (other than to make endless circular arguments which contribute nothing to the dialog), I suggest that we all agree that this case is closed in your favor.