Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Mon Jun 5 23:00:54 2006

> Someone want to fill me in on what "PFO" is?

Hi Kevin,

It is a philosophical invention of mine called pulled field orientation, and it is a geometric method of turning a singles hitter into a home run hitter. Suppose, for example, dield dimensions are 330 to left field, 365 to left center field, 400 to center field, 365 to right center field, and 330 to right field. Imagine a hitter masters Mankin's mechanics, but only has enough power to clear the left field fence consistently, and gains only a scant yield of five home runs, while the 35 well-hit balls to all other fields are recorded outs. Based on this information, the coach will probably appraise the situation pessimistically, and encourage this batter to hit ground balls, and "run like hell."

Nevertheless, I would contend that this individual could be a home run hitter by learning to pull all pitches. According to Jack Mankin, having good pre-launch torque (PLT) will develop early batspeed, which will be enhanced by top hand torque (THT), or circling the top hand around the bottom hand. The rotating body, in turn, exerts force against the bottom arm, causing ithe bottom hand to rotate around the top hand (BHT). All the while, the hands are roting around the axis of the body, creating a circular hand path (CHP). Mankin contends these four mechanics work in conjunction with each other to accentuate optimum batspeed.

Nevertheless, since the top hand circles the bottom hand at a wider radius for the outside pitch than the inside pitch, the ball can be hit with more batspeed. According to Mankin's model, the outside pitch is not hit deeper than the inside pitch; rather, it is hit at the same depth of the outside pitch.

If this is so, then why not pull all pitches? Theoretically, a pulled outside pitch will travel further than one hit on the inside corner of the plate. While it takes practice to master, it can be achieved, and one just has to look at the swings of Jr. Griffey, Mac, Sammy Sosa, Mel Ott, Ernie Banks and others to realize that this is not an impossible task.

Waiting for a pitch, in my opinion, actually cheats the batter in how much time he or she has to hit the pitch, because, the longer a person waits, the greater the percentage a ball will be thrown by a hitter. Additionally, batspeed accelerates proportionately to how much time it is afforded an increase in speed; hence, the bathead will be swung with the gretest amount of regularity as it arcs out in front of the plate. Even if one is no perfect with these swings, mishits will often be hit hard enough to be basehits.

With proper adjustments, the former singles hitter will turn into forty-a-year home run hero. Remember, geometry and awareness of field proxemics can greatly enhance a player's statistics.

One last thought, this is just a model. One can feel free to use it, use part of it, or just abandon the idea altogether.

Best,
BHL