Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Wed Mar 23 01:11:59 2005

> > > > Hi Marcus:
> > > >
> > > > I use an Exterior Shell EST (i.e., the 2000 model).
> > > >
> > > > What I like about this bat's sweet spot is smaller than a DeMarini; hence, the batter must hit the ball on the sweet spot consistently. However, correct contact will yield a longer hit.
> > > >
> > > > I agree with you; I think that leagues should force home runs to be earned, rather than limit the number of them.
> > > >
> > > > By the way, do you Jack's "Final Arc II" DVD?
> > > >
> > > > Sincerely,
> > > > BHL
> > > > Knight1285@aol.com
> > > >
> > > > P.S. When a person is on third base all the time, hitting a long fly ball helps--rather than hurts--your statistics. What field you choose to hit the ball to is a personal preference. However, I do believe that the most important thing a hitter can do is drive in runs IMHO.
> > >
> > > BHL,
> > >
> > > Hello again. Nice to meet another Worth fan...haha.
> > >
> > > I don't have the DVD, however I am planning on buying it for my sons. I'm sure I'll enjoy it as well.
> > >
> > > Now regarding the sacrifice fly thing, that's very much true. Driving in runs is the name of the game. I think a good hitter will end up with more hits than sac flies in a situation where a runner is on third. I think some hitters thrive in RBI and pressure situations. Others tend to choke more often than not. It all comes back to having sound mechanics, though. When you know you're a good hitter, you'll naturally have more confidence in yourself to get the job done.
> > >
> > > Thanks again for the very interesting topic and discussion. I have read just about every post on this site for the past 3 years or so. I don't interject very often because most of the time I would be merely repeating someone else's thoughts. Every once in a while I have an original one...but not very often! haha
> > >
> > > Marcus
> >
> > Hi Marcus:
> >
> > Let me elaborate on our discussion somewhat. I now believe that, irrespective of if one is a PFO or not, he or she should not choke the bat. The following link will tell you why: http://www.kettering.edu/~drussell/bats-new/grip.html
> >
> > I hope you enjoy reading the study!
> >
> > BHL
>
> BHL,
>
> I will check that out when I have more time. Thanks for the reading material. I have always personally felt that a person should reduce bat weight rather than choke up. Greater bat length equals more leverage, so to speak. This is true, of course, when there's a circular hand path. I guess bat length wouldn't matter as much for a more linear hitter. A linear hitter doesn't achieve as much angular displacement, so added distance to the end of the bat from the hands wouldn't benefit him or her as much as it would a hitter with a circular hand path.
>
> I'll check out the link. Take care!
>
> Marcus

Hi Marcus:

I'll amend my statement by saying that, at contact, the hands do not "clamp" the bat. Ergo, theories stating a weak grip allows more "give" on the bat should be brought into question. In fact, only one study reported that a choke grip results in more power--and the design of that experiment was proven faulty.

Sincerely,
BHL
Knight1285@aol.com

P.S. I agree with you--choking the bat, or choking up on the bat, both produce sub-optimum results.