Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Mon Feb 14 00:36:52 2005

Hi Jack,
> >
> > You reference a very important topic:
> >
> > "Mike, I am certainly not suggesting a batter should try to get the back-arm extended at contact. I am saying that extending the arm more is necessary to pull the ball or on outside pitches ? doubly true when pulling outside pitches."
> >
> > Up until this time, I have read extensive commentary on whether the back arm should be straight or in an "L" position at contact--and why.
> >
> > Upon reading you commetary as it relates to the issue, I found it necessary to review clips of Junior, Mac, and Sheffield. One constant then became transparent: all players cast their back arm when attempting to pull outside pitches. Geometrically speaking, they have found a way to pull all pitches into the "natural field," where even a 340-foot popup has the potential of carrying the fence, due both the distance of the "porch," and the velocity at which the ball is struck.
> >
> > Mac exemplifies these mechanics by breaking Maris' record (i.e., initially) on a low-and-away pitch that he "yanks." The others that bear mentioning follow a similar approach.
> >
> > More precisely, the adage that "it does not matter if a ball is hit 340 feet, or 500 feet, as long as it clears the fence," might not apply in home run contests predicated upon distance, nut it certainly applies here.
> >
> > The implications of pull field orientation are threefold: 1) a smaller player does not have to use steroids to amass an impressive home run output; 2) pulling the ball to the right part of the field will result in less well-hit balls that die "short of the fence"; and, finally, a person who is 5'7" and weighs 140 lbs. can use this "stealth technique" to gain the reputation as a home run hitter.
> >
> > However, in order to master this technique, one must understand the position of the back arm at contact when pulling outside pitches.
> >
> > Mike brought up an intriguing contact: how does the hitter use the back arm correctly to bolster one's hitting ability?
> >
> > Mike and Jack, upon reading this thread, I would like to pose another question: how should one use the back arm to develop into a pull field orientee.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > BHL
> > Knight1285@aol.com
> >
> > P.S. This is going to get interesting.
>
> >
> >Hey BHL,
>
> I like keeping the elbow as tight as possible and let the pitch come to me for several reasons. 1)the most important i think is QUICK BATSPEED. if you start extending your arms at any point in the swing you IMMEDIATLY slow the rotation. a millisecond less time to read and react. by standing 6 inches from the plate the outside becomes a pull hit with the elbow tight. 2) having the elbow tight(3inch leeway) also gives you a safety net on misjudging offspeed stuff. if it fooled you and is coming in slower you have an option now to go out and get it with the hands. once again, the hands go out and the rotation slows and contact is made(being on the ball plane helps). if your hands are already out there on every OS pitch then you've put youself in tough position if fooled.
>
> The problem with this approach is the fear factor... standing 6 inches from the plate requires armor for protection. not many do it. however the greatest power hitter of ALL time does it. go for it...
>
> Regards, Rich

Hi Rich,

I believe that you raised a valid point in highlighting fear as a problem.

Nevertheless, Mike Schmidt and Rob Ellis argue in "The Mike Schmidt Study" that people lacking confidence should not play baseball. On the other hand, while both authors' observation is keen, they are approaching the problem in a negative manner.

On the other hand, Jack notes that "McGwire backed off the plate the last couple of years [before he retired] and treated all pitches as outside pitches." Those that fear hitting the inside pitch can incorporate Jack's "pearl of wisdom" into their hitting approach.

Overall, I believe the audacious pull field orientee should sit right on the plate, the pfo hitter that is neither fearful nor audacious should situate himself / herself at a normal distance from the plate (i.e., according to their ability to cover the plate), and the fearful pfo hitter should stand off of the plate.

Mechanically speaking, this means that the first hitter discussed will rely primarily on BHT, the second hitter mentioned will use a BHT / THT combo, and the last hitter noted will take full advantage of THT.

This means that the hitter closest to the plate will have his barm arm in an "L" position at contact. Following this logic, the hitter further away will have his back arm in between an "L" and an "l" position at contact. Lastly, the hitter off the plate will have his back arm close to an "l" position at contact.

I'll keep you two posted.

Regards,
BHL