Posted by: dougdinger () on Fri May 21 15:06:15 2004

I have seen/heard references that say the speed of the pitch greatly effects how far the ball is hit (if it is hit at all). Is this possible? At some point and time the contact between the ball and bat would cause the ball to stop and then change direction. I personally think that the spped of the pitch only makes it more difficult for the batter to hit. Does anyone know anything different?
It does, but batspeed has the greatest effect for how far a ball is hit. You're right about the ball having to stop and change direction, but the same thing applyies when you throw a rubber ball against a wall. And the harder you throw that rubber ball, the harder and further it bounces back. You should remember if you've been playing redbutt when you were a kid.