Posted by: dougdinger () on Mon Dec 6 21:10:01 2004

Since nobody wanted to touch my steroid question posted 12/3 I'll try a different approach. Lets say we have two batters with the same bat speed and rotational type swings. One is bigger than the other and bench presses 100 lbs more. Will the bigger batter hit the ball farther? If so, why? Does the force he generates at bat contact make a difference even though the bat speeds are the same or exactly when does this increased strength help him?

I don't think anyone can hit a ball farther than Bonds or Sosa and they're the biggest players in the Majors with the best rotational mechanic. I'm sure strength plays a part in mechanics right from the start. If someone has quicker stronger hands and wrists, he can obviously generate quicker and faster torque to the bat, plus the strength and quicknes in their legs and back will be able to rotate the trunk quicker and faster.