Posted by: Joe Hernandez (coach2hit@yahoo.com) on Tue Jun 20 12:25:25 2006

> I have been keeping a close eye on the grips that the major leaguers use and I noticed that mine is a little different and was wondering if it was just because they have bigger or hands or not. Simple things like correct grip could play a role in bat speed.
>
> I grip the bat with the thumb of my top hand wrapping around between my index and middle finger and I notice most MLB hitters if not all have the thumb resting completley on top of the index finger.




Dave,

Just hold the bat with relaxed fingers (loose...don't squeeze too tightly). Don't jam the bat into the palm. Make a note to realize that the grip you have prior to your swing is relaxed pretty much umtil contact. You can't go by what you "think" you see on other ballplayers. I have tons of videos and I don't see what you see when you say, "...most MLB hitters if not all have the thumb resting completley on top of the index finger. Depending on the girth of the bat handle and the size of your hand, you may have your thumb "overlapping" and making contact with the middle finger. Just concentrate on a comfortable grip that will allow you to swing the bat with a fluid swing.

The Grip

By Coach Joe Hernandez

Gripping the bat
Before the first pitch
This is where it’s at
To hit without a glitch

Your hitting will improve
With the proper grip
It will create the correct groove
For a powerful and swift rip

Hold your hands together
With your palms faced up
As if holding a birds feather
Or the neck of a pup


Rest the bat handle neatly
On the base of your fingers
Keep it open completely
As both arms in front lingers


Now wrap your fingers around the bat
With middle knuckles in line
Hold it firm as if to pat
A birdie wrapped in vine

With the proper grip
Bat speed will increase
With the sound of a whip
Your power will be release

Now get into your stance
And be prepared to hit
With eyes fixed as in a trance
You are now ready and fit

That’s all there is to it
No big surprise
You are now ready to hit
With a bat for your size

Practice this grip
Until you give it no thought
You will feel your bat zip
Now that you are well taught

Joe Hernandez