Posted by: The Hitting Guru () on Wed Jan 3 14:04:58 2007

> >>> Jack. Thanks for taking time out to debate this aspect of linear movement with regard to power. With regard to your questions, let us take a further review:
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> 1. In my opinion Jeff Bagwell's negative movement contributes to a solid launch angle position from which to contact the incoming pitch. That in itself contributes to power because he is launching the ball most likely at a 45 degree angle (which was desired in Robert K. Adair's book the Physics of baseball). As a timing mechanism, this compacts his stance which likely forces him to use more of his upper body out of a crouched position. And because of Bagwell's upper body strength this stance works for him. A player of lesser strength would likely be challenged by the stance because he is not fully making use of his lower body. But the launch angle makes up for some of the difference in not using the power from a stride or leg kick.
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> 2. With regard to Reggie Jackson, his rearward movement is not negative linear movement per what I or this site uses to discuss a weight shift. Prior to what you speak of, Reggie has already completed a forward weight shift and the rearward action is only a by product of the forward weight shift. As such his negative movement is a progression of his hip thrust. This negative movement takes place because of the tremendous energy from his vicious swing through a stretched out position as he puts his whole body into the swing. It should also be noted that Reggie used a (basically) feet together (long stride) stance (see 1971 allstar game) to launch one of the longest homeruns ever hit in major league baseball. That homerun ball was estimated to travel well over 520 ft and was reported to be a line drive rising as it struck the light tower!
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> I promote that positive linear weight shift contributes to power (as opposed to negative movement).
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> Babe Ruth as seen in practically all footage of his swings starts with his weigh back/even and makes a dramatic forward movement with his entire body. As such his only way to retain some balance and complete full extension is from his long stride. In so doing Ruth's forward movement continues during and after contact as forward movement blends into a turn of the body. Thus the linear energy does not fully cease but is transferred around the front foot. For a hitter such as Ruth his corkscrew finish produces much more energy to the ball rather than a simple point A to point B weightshift/rotation. The dynamics of the corkscrew are a result of a greater full follow through and around rather than just lead arm extension.
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> The full shoulder turn is seen to a great degree by Ken Griffey JR. who is said to rotate as much as 60 degrees (in some instances) with his shoulder turn in the "Complete book of hitting faults and fixes". Ruth though, uses a much longer stride and was seen to actually run up and the ball and hit as he did in his famous "Called Shot" against the Cubs. <<<
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> Hi Guru
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> Some great power hitters take long strides – some short or no stride. Some great power hitter’s axis fades forward during rotation (Aaron & Ruth). Some great power hitter’s axis fades rearward during rotation (Jackson & Bonds).
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> What remains constant in all of them is that their body rotation induces an angular displacement rate to their hand-path (CHP). An angular displacement rate of their hand-path induces an angular displacement rate to the bat (Pendulum effect). They all apply torque at the handle from initiation (THT) to contact (BHT). CHP + THT & BHT = Power.
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> Jack Mankin

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Jack. I cannot dispute that analysis as it makes sense and applies to the hitters mentioned. But the question comes up as to what are the optimum lower body mechanics for a player? Is it the answer in the leg kick, the long stride, the short stride, the athletic balanced position, or does it involve a transfer of weight? As of now, it seems that some on this site believe the lower body functions as merely a timing mechanism and is simply a matter of personal preference. I simply do not agree (at this time) that that is the case.

Don Mattingly (Yankeeography disc 3) was quoted as saying the leg kick up and back allowed him to regain the (power) form he had during his early career.

For those who remember Don, he had good power for a man of modest size (5'11 185 lbs). Don was rotational but lost power as a debilitating disc limited his rotational turning. But by lifting the front leg with an inward turn got him back on track. It should be noted that Don used CHP to hook many homeruns into Yankee stadium right field seats. His THT and BHT appear evident but not as much as an Aaron, Strawberry, but more of a glide back.

But perhaps we should save the lower body discussion for another time as opinion varies from hitter to hitter.