Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Wed Oct 19 19:11:03 2005

Are you saying Lau and Schmidt are incorrect, well might as well include Epstein as well, in that there isn't a weight shift or linear move? <<<

Hi Shawn

I am saying that that a linear movement of mass (the hitter’s axis moving forward) is not necessary to generate power for the swing. I further state that just because a batter shifts the responsibility for supporting the body’s mass to the front leg does not mean there was a forward transfer of momentum.

Yes, some good rotational hitters do (and some do not) have a linear movement of mass during the stride. However, before the swing and body rotation is initiated, any forward movement slows to a stop and the body rotates around a stationary axis. Therefore, during the swing, there is no linear movement of the body’s mass or linear momentum available to be transferred.

It is the transfer of rotational momentum that generates bat speed. I would hope that Lau, Schmidt and Epstein agree. If not, I am always here to discuss it with them.

Jack Mankin