Posted by: The Hitting Guru (hitman3527@aol.com) on Wed Feb 8 22:07:24 2006

> >>> Hello Jack. With regard to maximum extension (follow through in the swing), do you believe it can be attained to the opposite field if the player keeps both hands on the bat?
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> I have noticed that some current top hitters (A-Rod, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz take one hand off the bat in hitting to the opposite field with power (though that is there natural finish).
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> Ted believe Williams said he did not use the Green Monster to maximize his power, but instead choose to pull the ball or center the outside pitch for the most part.<<<
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> Hi Guru
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> I would say it depends on the batter’s mechanics. Some keep the hands in and use an inside-out swing to hit to the opposite field. With this type of swing, both arms remain bent and generates limited bat speed. I see no problem with these batters keeping both hands on the bat during the follow-through.
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> Rotational mechanics can cream outside pitches to the opposite field. However, the bat’s momentum is then directed more to right field as the back arm straightens. As the arms reach full extension the wrist role causing the bat-head to snap around. This an result in a hard jerk on the wrist and arms when the batter attempts to keep both hands on the bat. By releasing the top-hand the lead-arm can coast-out the bat’s momentum in a much wider arc.


Jack. Based on your answer above, it would appear that to maximize the batters extension, the hitter should stand closer to the plate as to maximize his power to the opposite field in order to extend on the outside pitch. In doing so it appears he could cancel out the wrist roll or at least decrease some of the effect.

In Ted's book the Science of Hitting he used a ball chart to show how he felt he might hit within the strike zone in various zones. From his chart it appears that he felt it was not in his best interest to swing at low and outside pitches unless behind in the count.

From what I have seen it appears rotational two hand approaches work better when the player is close to the plate. And rotational top hand releases work better for the player who is middle distance or away from the plate.

Also for players who used the Charlie Lau Sr. set up (George Brett, Tim Raines, Will Clark) were actually better off taking a somewhat closed stride toward the plate in order to maximize extension. I have found it extremely difficult to hit out of the Lau Weight shift and keep both hands on the bat without feeling awkward or rolling the tophand over.
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> Jack Mankin