Posted by: Jeff M (arhmobile@yahoo.com) on Wed Apr 21 08:30:04 2004

BHL,
I really enjoy reading your posts, and I think you are a valuable addition to this board...and many of your ideas are insightful. Be careful when using geometry to support your theory on pull-field-orientation. Calculations need to be based on actual positions, and you should consider quantifying your baselines. For example I would make a statement that "return to perpendicular" equals a position/point/location where the bat and pitched ball intersect/impact with a 90 degree interior angle. I would then further state that the azimuth/bearing/line of the pitched ball be dependant on the release point off the mound...which then depends on the height/wing-span and other characteristics of the pitcher. Then I would clarify/identify the actual offset to the center strike-zone and check the bearing back to the release point. Once the bearing of the pitched ball is known, we can then calculate the location/deflection/angle/bearing of the bat at a point perpendicular to the pitch bearing. For example...the pitch bearing of a RH pitcher setup on the outside edge of the rubber...delivering a ball intended to intersect the outside black against a RH batter...with no horizontal movement/break factored will be different than that of a LH pitcher doing the same move with similar mechanics...from the opposite side of the rubber...still ending with a pitch on the outside black. Also, and in part based on the above...and in an attempt to agree with your theory (in part), I offer that a RH pitcher delivering a middle plate pitch to a RH batter will result in a exit bearing slightly left of centerfield. The last thing I would advise against is the "casting" indications that you stated in the posts below...try to fix a central location of your impact radius point...focus on a deflection angle (off true perpendicular) of + 3 degrees-45 minutes and then back out your bat length, point of impact on the bat, hand location and so on. This will get your radius "close" and then you can fit your curves to a model...and calculate your total arc length. I'm not sure where maximum batspeed occurs in your model, but factor in some point along the arc where you feel good that the speed will still end with a point of reference...lets say a distance of 360-feet for arguments sake. I think you (BHL) are on the right track with your PFO but take a look at your model and see if an outside pitch really has to be sent to the pull field. Why can't you adjust for an impact position short of perpendicuar?
Just my thoughts.
Jeff M