Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Mar 13 13:22:56 2006

>>> Though Jack Mankin has made it clear to me that linear movement has no effect on distance hitting, I cannot help but notice the linear movement of Ichiro Suzuki. It appears Ichiro uses a dramatic weight shift combined with a rotational swing in order to pull pitches for homeruns. I have a problem believing his weight shift does not contribute to his power. From what I see, the inertia going forward of his entire body contributes to added distance when timed correctly. I await anyone's comments/explanation who would dispel this as false. <<<

Hi Guru

Suzuki’s linear movement does not add to the power of his swing. The bat-head still rotates the same number degrees to contact. Taking the axis forward during the swing elongates and straightens the hand-path, which reduces bat-head acceleration from the pendulum effect. Taking his axis forward does give him more of a running start toward first base – similar to the “slap hitting” technique that is used in softball.

I have a number of clips of Bonds that shows his axis fading rearward (negative weight shift) at contact. I suspect this is due to attaining more “hook” in his hand-path for certain pitch locations. Regardless, in answering your question, we can safely say that Bonds can produce more power with a rearward moving axis at contact than Suzuki does with linear movement.

Jack Mankin