Posted by: Saat () on Sun Dec 16 17:24:05 2001

>>> Jack, it sounds like you believe in modified pinball theory. That is, simply extend the arms out farther in order to reach the outside pitch, but still have the bat travel in sort of a semi-circle kind of a path. Problem is, you still can't ignore the physiology. <<<
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> Hi Saat
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> My interpretation of the “pinball theory” is that a batter can better make contact on outside pitches by letting the ball get in deeper and hitting it to the opposite field. That may be a good rule (or necessity) for a linear extension hitter. But there are other options available to the rotational hitter.
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> Saat, I am trying to decide if your posts are serious or just poking a Joe A at me. Physiology is the “science of living organisms.” Are you saying the batters anatomy and muscle mass makes linear mechanics preferable? --- The other problem is - you can’t ignore the laws of physics either. For inside or outside pitches, what forces other than the transfer of rotational energy (circular hand-path) and torque do you think can generate bat speed? How can linear mechanics deliver those forces?
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> Jack Mankin
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> Sorry Jack, I'm not a doctor. Maybe anatomy is a better word. Whatever discipline that studies uses & restrictions of muscle & limbs. And you are right, you can't ignore physics, either. That's why the field of biomechanics exist, combining the two disciplines. What we all could use is detailed study by a biomechanist of the baseball swing.

In the meantime, though, in answer to your question, "For inside or outside pitches, what forces other than the transfer of rotational energy (circular hand-path) and torque do you think can generate bat speed? How can linear mechanics deliver those forces?"......For inside and outside pitches, energy from the bottom up including the arms and hands is what delivers the force. I agree that for an inside pitch more complete hip/shoulder rotation means greater power. However, for an outside pitch, a pitch which is anatomically difficult/impossible to effectively hit with complete hip/shoulder rotation, a greater burden falls on the upper body to deliver the force. And yes, the force will be less than if you were pulling a pitch with full hip/shoulder rotation. It's a trade off, go "linear" the other way, hit with maybe 10 percent less power, but hit line drives & still hit them hard. Or, try & rotate ino a pitch taht is away from you & hit the ball into the ground.

And what does Joe a have to do with me? all I know is he started a thread & now he won't finish it.