Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Tue Nov 2 16:16:50 2004

>>> The fact that THT generates 3-4mph initial batspeed says it all. This defines its contribution to final batspeed. <<<

Hi Mike

This is a discussion board to discuss different views on batting and the mechanics of the baseball swing. Therefore, I have no problem with you disagreeing with me. However, I do have a major problem when you misrepresent my statements to further your own agenda. I never said, "THT generates 3-4 mph initial batspeed." Our discussion at that time was in regards to "pre-launch torque. " Pre-launch torque is a low energy mechanic that occurs 'before' the swing is initiated and the application of THT. I have never given a figure to how much bat speed THT contributes.

I stated to you in that post, "However, bat speed acquired before initiation probably has a greater impact on contact velocity than most people realize. Bonds and Sosa may only attain 3 or 4 mph bat-head velocity during pre-launch torque." I still stand behind that statement. -- I have found from video analysis of hundreds of young hitters that in many cases, their inability to generating good bat speed is because they do not apply forces to the bat that keeps the acceleration of the bat-head in sync with their body rotation. They finished hip and shoulder rotation with the bat still lagging 30 to 60 degrees from contact.

My nonscientific term for this was "falling behind the power curve." Having these hitters concentrate on mechanics that correctly accelerate the bat-head back toward the catcher before fully initiating the swing results in increases in bat speed much greater than gained during their pre-launch movements. -- Mike, this may not fit with your formulas and computations, but I can assure you it occurs.

Jack Mankin