Posted by: Jeff (kidd@islc.net) on Mon Jan 3 19:39:25 2000

Hi Skipper,

Just jabbing back a little ;) Most boards I've visited run pretty loose with the spelling, and I'm sure I've added my share of mistakes, too. I was just giving you a hard time.

I hope my second post clarified my first message to Jack.

I also read your response to Jack and had this question -- what makes the hands slow? Think about it a sec before you answer because I'm inclined to agree with you that there are several forces at work as the swing nears contact and that a "tripping" effect is likely one of them.

But, clearly it's not both arms reaching full extension (look at the moment of contact for any major leaguer and you'll rarely see one fully extended unless the pitch is on the outside corner.) In other words, it's not like throwing the "slack" out of your arms.

I also don't think you would argue the hitter should consciously try to bring his hands to a screeching halt (or would you?)

Possibly it has something to do with the front shoulder joint beginning to rotate forward independently of the shoulder/torso rotation that kept the arms close to the body as a tight unit. Conservation of angular momentum would seem to explain the hands slowing because they would be moving away from the spine, but that doesn't explain the bat barrell's acceleration.

The bat's acceleration could be explained by the unfurlin rear arm, however, that still wouldn't account for the front arm's initial slowing.

So that's my question -- is the slowing of the front hand/arm chicken or egg, cause or effect. I used to think I knew the answer. Now, I'm not so sure.

Eagerly awaiting your response.

Regards and Happy New Year,
Jeff