Posted by: Brian () on Sun Dec 19 20:33:59 2004

Brian,
>
> Your quote:
>
> "As Jack pointed out, the batter in frame #1 of the swing mechanics page most certainly has the thumb closer than 10 inches (which is ALMOST ONE FOOT) from the rear shoulder even without mirrors or a direct visual path,..."
>
> Brian, I cannot agree with you because it is impossible for me to see the hands and tell how far they are away from the shoulder. Can you either explain how you came to your conclusion or agree with me that it is not possible to tell the actual distance?
>
>
> ray porco

Ray:

lol. That is an excellent question. I couldn't have asked a better one myself.

I would have to agree that it is not possible to tell the exact distance, but I would estimate somewhere between a couple of inches and 6 inches. My assumption is based on the position of the lead arm and how tight it is to the body, and the position of the bat. I would bet dollars to donuts that the thumb is not more than 6 inches away from the shoulder, but there is no way for me to prove that I am right or no way to be proven wrong from that picture.

When the season starts, we can tape several batters to see if we can get a better estimation of the distance.

In my opinion, the thumb drill and inward turn can help a batter get into a good launch position.

Brian