Posted by: Mark H. () on Wed Mar 27 07:27:18 2002

>>> And the optimal contact point is?
> In other words, using these rotational mechanics with tht, the middle out pitch will ideally be hit square and driven somewhere near the middle or no? <<<
>
> Hi Mark
>
> Yes, I encourage batters to practice timing their swings so as to meet the ball square for middle-out pitches. And, as you pointed out earlier, the meat of the bat reaches it’s maximum outside path as it becomes perpendicular to the ball’s flight. The sweet-shot moves inward and has less outside coverage as the bat sweeps past or lags behind the point of hitting the ball straight-away.
>
> But, I would also point out that on outside pitches, I would not teach linear hitters to pull or even hit the ball straight-away. Linear mechanics poses real problems for batters attempting to bring the bat perpendicular on outside pitches.
>
> Jack Mankin
>

Makes sense to me. I would say linear hitters would be best served by focusing on hitting opposite field most of the time. Do you agree?

Mark H.