Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Mon May 24 23:40:59 2004

Dear Jack,

Let’s entertain the prospect again that torque exists, and is not a by-product of centrifugal movement.

Under those premises, let’s engage in a Socratic discussion pertaining to useful “cues.”

Prior to delving into the subject proper, though, several questions about torque need to be answered.

First of all, you argue that a circular hand path accounts for roughly half the bat-speed generated, the other half of which is torque-based. Following this logic, let’s assume Bagwell hits a pitch down the middle, and generates 90 mph of bat-speed at contact. According to your model, 45 mph would be created due to his circular hand path, and torque would account for the remaining 45 mph. Since on a pitch down the middle, both hands must gyrate around each other, is it a fair to say that bottom hand torque accounts for 22.5 mph, and top hand torque manufactures the other half?

Secondly, if the situation calls for Bagwell to hit an inside pitch, the bottom hand will pivot around the top hand. For the purposes of simplicity, let’s assume that he retains the 45 mph caused by a circular hand path. In view of all the facts presented, is it logical to argue that the bottom hand generates 45 mph of torque, while the top hand produces no torque?

Finally, suppose the situation is reversed, and Bagwell swings at an outside pitch, where it is necessary for the top hand to pivot around the bottom hand. Once again, we will assume that the bat-speed generated by a circular hand path remains a constant. Seen in this light, will torque stem exclusively from top hand torque?

Now, we shall return to the modification I made in my “cues,” which took into account your feedback. Assuming a batter gets to the correct launch position, I wonder about your sentiments on my revised “cues”:

The hitter will land on the ball of the front foot, with the front toe either pointing directly at the plate, or on a 45 degree angle to the plate. Simultaneously, the batter shrugs. The batter will then rotate the front 45 degrees, either opening up the front foot 45 degrees, or entirely, depending on its position at front toe-touch. At the same time, the hitter will concentrate on keeping the hands back, near the rear shoulder, and spinning the top hand around the bottom one, causing a subsequent gyration of the bat-head.

A response to all questions would be greatly appreciated.

Best wishes,
BHL (i.e., Geoff)
Knight1285@aol.com

P.S. Note: Friday, I am going on a trip to Hawaii, and will not be back for two weeks, so I will not be able to respond to questions addressed to me.