Posted by: Jeff M (arhmobile@yahoo.com) on Tue Apr 20 10:19:57 2004

> > > > Hi all,
> > > >
> > > > I will now post my calculations that show why pull hitting does not exacerbate swing tendencies. We will see that, by keeping the rate of angular displacement at a constant (i.e., 225 degrees), the batter need only widen the circumference of bat-head rotation to ensure that he or she can hit to the “natural” field with regularity.
> > > >
> > > > Nevertheless, effective pull hitting dictates that the batter stand at the proper distance from the plate. Suppose, for instance, a softball player uses a 34-inch, 26-ounce Worth EST Extra. My recommendation is that he or she stand at least 34 inches off the back edge of the inside corner. Now, many individuals are going to posit that such a move will make it more difficult to hit outside pitches. If we put geometry before instinctual criticism, the distance of the plate with actually force the batter to realize that, in order to be successful, the bat-head must be accelerated in a circle.
> > > >
> > > > For the sake of simplicity, all pitches will be thrown around shoulder height, since the clearest way to demonstrate my argument is to depict a way arcing parallel to the ground. Functionally, though, the hitter would most likely hit pitches in which the bat head swept in arc tilted 45 degrees to the ground.
> > > >
> > > > In all scenarios, the batter is a right-handed hitter whose bat-head begins pointing in the direction of the third base line, but, at contact, swings all the way around 225 degrees to a position 45 degrees between the first and third base line.
> > > >
> > > > Since I advocate looking in, and adjusting out, for the reason that the hitter does not gain as much angular displacement on these pitches, and, hence, must be quicker with the bat. The finer details as to why this true will surface near the conclusion of my argument.
> > > >
> > > > On all pitches, the bat must travel 225 out of 360 degrees to pull pitches to left, or .625 of a whole circle. The number must be multiplied by the product of twice the radial lever--the whole circumference—times pi.
> > > >
> > > > 2(34 in.)(.625)(pi) = 42.5 in (pi), or a circumference of approximately 133.52 inches.
> > > >
> > > > On the pitch over the plate, the only variable in the calculation will be the increased width of the circumference, resulting from a moderate amount of casting. Hence, the bat-head will travel out half the length of a seventeen-inch plate, or 8.5 inches, which, when added to 34 inch bat, increases the lever-arm to 42.5 inches.
> > > >
> > > > 2(42.5)(.625)(pi) = 53.125 in (pi), or a circumference of approximately 166.90 inches.
> > > >
> > > > On outside pitches, since the entire plate must be covered, the circumference will widen even more. Specifically, if we take the sum of the length of the plate, and the plate, we get a radial arm of 51 inches.
> > > >
> > > > 2(51 in.)(.625)(pi) = 63.75 (pi), or a circumference of approximately 200.28 inches.
> > > > According to the rules of physics, since the outside pitches necessitate using a wider circumference than those middle-in, the bat has more time to accelerate, meaning that these balls will pulled harder than inside pitches. This means that all pitches can be pulled. It is advantageous to use this modality all the time.
> > > >
> > > > Case closed.
> > > >
> > > > Sincerely,
> > > > BHL
> > > > Knight1285@aol.com
> > > >
> > > > As for who I am, my name is Geoff, and I hold an M. A. in English Literature, and am going into doctoral studies in this very area. I remember that when I started the Independent League, there were many athletes better than me. One of nicest compliments I ever received though, was how I used the gifts the Lord gave me to achieve.
> > > >
> > >
> > > Don't factor in the very short reaction times a baseball hitter has, his ability to process what he sees, where it is and what swing is needed where and how. Of course, those calculations may not be in your favor. Those calculation would not lead to 'case closed' so let's leave them out.
> > >
> > > And, how many times will you close the case. It's been 3 or 4 already. Sounds to me like even you aren't convinced.
> >
> > Hi Teacherman,
> >
> > I am convinced, and my next step happens to be arguing for hitters to use longer bats in order to enhance the proper circulat hand path.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > BHL
> > Knight1285@aol.com
> >
> > P.S. Here, on Batspeed.com, facts substantiated by calculations are far better than obstinate opinions supported by gut premonitions.
>
> Here's a calculation I understand. .4 seconds to react and hit a 90+ mph fastball. Seems even less than that when you have to honor changeups, curveballs, sliders and other pitches throw to the four corners of the zone.
>
> He's a farce.
>
> BHL doesn't appear interested in an expense paid trip for him to hit my 90+ mph hurler. I'll video tape it and sent free copies to your merry men. All you have to do is post and equivalent amount in case you can't take his outide heater over the pull fence.

BHLex,

Before I break out my HP 15C, and test your "geometric" calculations, I need to get a few clarifications.
1) What is the XY value of your model swing fixed radius?
2) If the raduis is not fixed in position, or if there are more than one, what are their values?
3) Are these calculations based on plane geometry?
4) Is the (model)arc one continuous length, or is it segmented?
5) In your model swing, have you assigned any linear dimensions...tangent distances?
6) If the (model) arc is not based one one radius(likely)are all the curves tangent...or are they non-tangent?
7) lastly...at what point/ (or decimal degree) position is maximum batspeed obtained?
Thanks,
Jeff M