Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Fri Jan 6 15:58:04 2006

Hi All

This is a continuation of the “bat speed’ vs ‘bat quickness” thread below.

(oleballcoach)
>>> putting them on a reaction time measurement device. They won't be able to produce 100 MPH + swings with a short enough reaction time to get around on a 90+ mph fastball

All I am saying is that maximum speed and maximum quickness can't be arrived at simultaneously. You sacrifice one for the other. I think the major reason for this is the length of the arc on the swing. <<<

Hi Oleballcoach

Welcome to the site. – It is obvious that a hitter like Bonds generates great bat speed at contact. I think you would agree that he also has the swing quickness to get around on a 90 or even a 100+ mph fastball. However, if we subjected his full swing movements to a “reaction time measurement device,” his quickness reading would be much slower than most little leaguers would attain starting with the bat in the launch position..

The reaction time measurement devices I have seen give a very inaccurate and distorted view of a hitter’s actual swing quickness. This device starts the timing when a light comes on and ends at contact. It does not allow for the rhythmic pre-launch movements of a high level hitter like Bonds uses to accelerate the bat-head rearward to the launch position. Bonds will start his pre-launch movements with the pitcher’s windup and the rearward acceleration of the bat-head begins just after the pitcher releases the ball. However, he does not initiate shoulder rotation (committed to the swing) until the ball is about 12 to 14 feet out – for an accurate quickness reading, this is when the light should go on.

Note: I am placing this topic at the top as a new thread

Jack Mankin