Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Oct 14 19:25:17 2001

>>> Jack, i was wondering what great mechanics Mickey Mantle used to hit it over 600 feet, it seems like a mix of linear and rotational, a huge body foward movement, but a good hand path, and added batspeed using tht, i found a clip of his right handed swing http://www.theswearingens.com/mick/swing.htm <<<

Hi Jeff

That is a good clip of Mantle’s swing. It is a shame we can not break it down to frame-by-frame action. If we could, the text I use for explaining the mechanics of the batter in the “Frame-by-Frame” on the site would equally describe the mechanics used by Mickey in this clip. There may be some minor difference in the styles of the two hitters, but the absolutes of being a great hitter (rotation around a stationary axis, chp, tht and bht) are there for all to see.

Note: My definition of a great hitter is the player who can hit for a high average and also hits with power (.300+, 30+ HR).

Jeff, Mickey does take a fairly long stride. Most hitters of his time did. But note that the forward (linear) movement of the body came to a stop (or near stop) before he started his rotation around a stationary axis. So, does the linear momentum developed during his stride add to his ability to hit the ball so far? Some coaches whose opinions I hold in high regard like Major Dan and Paul Nyman, believe it does. They contend that the linear momentum (or some of it) is converted into body rotation. I do not believe that is true. But would I bet the family farm on it – No!

Jack Mankin