Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Sat Nov 4 07:00:25 2006

Hi Jack,

Here is my last post that I promised to recontinue as a new thread:

While I disagree with Gym Teacher's double extension model of the swing, I part with you in another respect--the swing plane. Jack, why is the swing plane so important, when A-Rod, to name one major player, exhibits a wavy swing plane?

I understand that Griffey Jr. fits your model of consistent planes; however, Barry Bonds does not. In fact, Barry "scoops sand" before attempting to hit the pitch.

Please clarify your position on swing planes, and, if possible, direct me to visuals that agree with your postural assessment of the swing.

One more thing--do you consider an inconsistent swing plane the mark of a linear hitter?

Hi Jeff M.,

It is difficult to argue with your physics-based argument which posits that balls struck properly to centerfield (or left centerfield) will be hit with enough velocity to clear any field. I cannot debate your science effectively since I am a literary / linguistic scholar, whereas you are a scientistist. I believe that you presented a very convincing physical on why centerfield hitting is the best approach. And it is farcical to argue with evidence backed by science.

I believe that ALL HITTERS should be home run hitter. If your centerfield approach helps effectuate this goal, then I firmly support your premise.

Now, please answer questions a), b), and c.

a) Do you believe that Griffey Jr. has a model swing plane? Arod?

b) Do you believe in the swinging gate or revolving door model.

c) Do you believe that, at contact, the batter's back leg is an "L" shape at contact--with the back calve angling towards the pitcher, and the back thigh angling towards the catcher.

By the way, what I meant by calve angling towards the pitcher is a RH's back leg, taken from side view, looks like this: /. The thigh angling towards the catcher refers to the following: . Put them together, you usually get > for a RH batter, or < for a LH batter. The angles are imprecise, but I just want to give you a rough indication of what I mean.

Best to All,
BHL