Posted by: Joe Hernandez (coach2hit@yahoo.com) on Mon Jun 5 15:54:39 2006

> > Gentlemen,
> >
> > I have decided to put my two cents to your discussion. Rather than just list the benefits and drawbacks, I will try to explain my reasoning as well...so here goes, first with the benefits.
> >
> > Benefit
> >
> > In linear hitting (weight shift system) the first benefit is an increase in batting averages relative to a hitter's own hitting potential. Because the barrel of the bat is in the "contact" zone a bit longer, it does not become as imperative to "time" the pitch perfectly and yet still make solid contact. The second benefit from this is that it will put the hitter on base more frequently and reduce his strikeouts ratio.
> >
> > As it was stated before, the hitter will have a greater possibility to hit to all fields because linear mechanics will enable the hitter to have good coverage of the plate. This alone creates more trouble for the defense as they try to adjust to such a hitter...all this spells more "openings" to get the ball through.
> >
> > Another great advantage is that for a right-handed hitter, it enables him to get a good jump out of the batter's box simply because his body is already moving in that direction...at least with far less rotation than in the rotational system. Getting out of the batters box quicker can add a full step for the hitter and cut down the amount of times that a hitter experiences being thrown out at first by a half of step.
> >
> >
> > Drawbacks
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> > As stated before me, reduced power is the most obvious and major drawback. But less consider some other drawbacks...there is the potential to move your head too much, this can impair your vision somewhat and hence not see the ball as well. If your head is moving, then your eyes are moving as well and this will create the optical illusion of the ball moving faster because it is difficult to track the ball while your head is moving.
> >
> > With regards to different pitches, it only becomes a problem, and it can be a big problem, if the hitter has trouble distinguishing different types of pitches. The hitter can find himself committed to a pitch, then if fooled, he will be flailing at a pitch with just one arm or if the hitter is one to release the top hand, then he will find himself with only his bottom hand to drive the ball...how often have you seen this?
> >
> > Letting go with the top hand can have a negative effect of bat velocity for reasons that are explain all through this website.
> >
> > I am not in complete agreement with some of the drawbacks on hitting certain pitches. I do feel, and many studies have been done to show, that in linear mechanics you increase the odds of having difficulty hitting the inside and also the high strikes. Those that are quick with their hips and hands might be able to adjust and drive the inside pitch. Some have suggested that the hitter can shorten the "arc", thereby not extending completely the arms, to try to get the barrel of the bat on the ball much earlier (in front) before it reaches the plate.
> >
> > However, you will find many exceptions to all of this from many great hitters. But from a statistical point of view these will be the benefits and drawbacks of the linear hitting system....at least by my experience as a player, coach and from observing hundreds of hours of videos. Just don't forget that there is an "art" to the science and a science to the art...with some that are exception to the rule, but many are not.
> >
> > Thanks for allowing me my input.
> >
> >
> Hi Joe just thougt you sould be aware that there has never been a Tripple Crown winner that was a linear style hitter. In fact there are few successful players in the Major Leagues that hit with the linear style. I believe there are many potentially great hitters that become limited to the level of play that they will attain because this style has been taught to them.

Hi Coach 13,

Not so, Paul Hines won the Triple Crown for the national league in 1878 as well as Hugh Duffy for Boston (NL) in 1894. Nap Lajoie won it for Philadelphia in 1901 and Ty Cobb for Detroit in 1909...all linear mechanic hitters. And there are many great rotational hitters that never won the triple crown as well as many that combined both.

However, you are correct if you are talking from the moment Babe Ruth emerge. Even the great Roger Hornsby changed style...hitting only a total of nine home runs until 1920, then a whopping 42 in 1922. But remember, the preferences have changed as the game of baseball as changed. During Ty Cobb's era (mainly from 1900 to 1920) the game of baseball was played with a sense of "craftiness" with the bat and a lot of "smarts" offensively. So linear mechanics was the ideal way to hit. Of course, now everything as changed, but you still find both types of hitters in the game.

Bottom line is that we can't take the SEVEN hitter's that have won the Triple Crown since Jimmie Foxx in 1933 and make broad sweeping conclusions in favor of one system of hitting over another.

My coaching is for the average mortal, kids from all walks of life that by the age of 13, almost 72% will have stopped playing. If I had the opportunity and good fortune to coach a hundred lifetimes, the odds would still be against me that I would get the chance to coach a potential major league player.

So it's great to theorize, but let's not lose sight of the real world...baseball for kids.

Thanks,

Joe Hernandez