Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aolcom) on Wed Apr 21 22:17:24 2004

>>> However, you should note that dead pull hitting requires the bat-head to rotate 45 degrees past a normal centerfield position. This is how I came up with the 225 degree arc. <<<
> > > > >
> > > > > Hi BHL
> > > > >
> > > > > I sincerely do not mean this to be cruel, but you should stick to English Literature because you obviously do not have a good grasp of geometry. Rotating the bat 45 degrees past perpendicular (from hitting the ball straight away) would NOT pull the ball down the third base line (“dead pull”, as you referred to it). Having the bat at 45 degrees would cause the ball to exit the bat parallel with the back of the plate or the back-stop. This means it would be hit 45 degrees to the left of the third base foul line.
> > > > >
> > > > > BHL, the correct use of geometry would have told you that the maximum amount the bat could be rotated past perpendicular and still hit the ball fair would be 22.5 degrees. But, due to the “hooking effect” generated from impacting the outside part of the ball, about 17 to 19 degrees past perpendicular is closer to the actual maximum.
> > > > >
> > > > > Jack Mankin
> > > >
> > > > I wonder how many real good hitters even know how to spell geometry? If you want to be taken seriously as a hitter or hitting coach, acting like a nerd won't do it. Using math to talk about the swing is very nerdish and won't teach anyone how to make a good swing. A good swing is not complicated, but some people want to reinvent the wheel, and that is what is happening with BHL. You never answered Teacherman's question, and never answered any of my questions.Talking about Mel Ott and how he hits is nonsense when there are about 3 clips of Ott in existance. Bonds uses a 34" 31 1/2 oz bat and chokes up 2 inches. I doubt very much if he thinks much about geometry.
> > > >
> > > > Doug
> > > >
> > > > Hi Doug,
> > >
> > > What is your take, then, on "The Science of Hitting?" Obviously, it is the first book that argues that the hitter is relegated to physical laws, regardless of whether or not he or she chooses to acknowledge them.
> > >
> > > While my geometric model still needs revision, at least I am cementing my information in reality, rather than gut premonitions.
> > > >
> > > Furthermore, Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds have, on numerous occassions, gave credence to the mental aspect of hitting. In order hit to the pull field consistently, you have to, according to Williams know your strike zone. All three players were cerebral, and aware of their statistics. In fact, I believe the mental perserverance allowed Mac to make the all century team.
> > >
> > > Doug, your entire post is based on ignorance, and choosing to pretend natural laws do not exist--or calling those who analyze them "nerds"--does not weaken my theory; it makes my theory that much stronger, since you fail to counter any of my information quantitatively.
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > > BHL
> > > Knight1285@aol.com
> > >
> > > P.S. Jack, on the other hand, believes that, when the ball pulled, the contact angle is variablistic in relation to speed, and pitch location. I am intrigued as to why he believes this, and would be delighted if he furnish his argument with a few illustrations.
> >
> > BHL, "The Science of Hitting"....Mr. Williams says that a good hitter can hit a pitch that is over the plate 3 times better than a great hitter with a questionable ball in a tough spot. His graph of the strike zone showed that a knee high pitch on the outside corner was a .230 pitch. A belt high, middle in pitch was a .390 pitch......do you think he was trying to pull a knee high outside corner pitch? He also says on page 53 that "if you go out of your area, you are just helping the pitcher". All hitters have areas that they hit well and areas that they don't hit so well. Trying to pull every pitch will lead to failure, and even a great pull hitter like Williams acknowledged that fact. Nerds try to figure things out on paper......good hitters figure things out in the batters box against tough pitching.
> >
> > Doug
>
> Despite the Black Hole Lex's "calculations" being full of holes...and the fact that much of his acertations come from a slow-pitch softball background...I wouldn't object to his posts so much if only he accepted the fact that the OS pitch need not be pulled. Jack is very tolerant of our English literary...don't think Nyman would be so inclined.
> Jeff M

Hi Jeff M.,

When you have the chance, can you calculate conditions under which the outside pitch could be pulled (e.g., Mac's, Ott's, Bonds' ability to pull outside pitches). Since this an integral part of theory, I would appreciate feedback.

I applaud you for dilligent work ethos!

Sincerely,
BHL
Knight1285@aol.com