Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Sat Nov 27 00:53:08 2004

Hi BHL,
> Do you promote opposite field hitting?What does PFO mean?

Hi Erik,

I do not promote any hitting approach, since that is up to the individual to decide. If one gets results going the other way, so be it.

The problem with hitting to all fields, though, is it is not conducive to a smaller player's power number. These players often quit teams because they are relegated to the "punch and judy" approach. After all, hitting a ball 350 feet in the air on a high fly to any field except the pull field is usually an out. However, when one pulls pitches, even ones outside, even borderline popups can turn into home runs.

I applaud you for your Instructo-Swing, and having Griffey demonstrate how to use it.

When it comes to approach, though, Griffey probably uses Instructo-Swing mechanics to pull the ball.

Just look back in 1998, when, at the beginning of the season, Griffey abandoned a bunt, and hit the ball over the 316 foot mark in the Kingdome on a low-and-away outside fastball, the most difficult to pull.

Nice conversing with a gentleman,
BHL
Knight1285@aol.com

P.S. PFO stands for pull field orientation, or the aptitude of pulling every pitch. Personally, I do not believe in hitting the other way, since the balls get struck with less force. These issues, though, are for an individual to decide, not a coach.