Posted by: Pete (princifamily@hotmail.com) on Fri Apr 26 18:37:04 2002

Hi Chip,
> > >
> > > Well, first of all, I don't have Dusty's book. I loaned my SECOND copy out (loaned the 1st copy out last season, never got it back, and I never learn!), and haven't seen it in a while. So, we're relying on my poor memory here.
> > >
> > > Second, as I recall from his book (which I still think is excellent and well organized, overall), he is an advocate of a "swing down", "inside-out", etc. school of thought. But, I'd sure wouldn't want to be guilty of mis-quoting him (or mis-characterizing what he teaches), and I just don't have the "hard copy" documentation at the moment. I hope that I'll get it back in a few weeks, and will then readdress this issue with verbatim quotes.
> > >
> > > In fact, I have a half dozen books on hitting, and while all of them ephasize hip rotation, and all have some unique material in them, most are about 70% redundant, and they all teach what Jack calls "linear" hitting mechanics. That's one reason I put so much time into studying hitting mechanics in the past couple of months. You don't pull a "180 degree" turn on your kids (and the players you coach) without knowing for absolute certain what you're getting into. I stopped coaching hitting, and "went to school", which is a problem, because the team isn't hitting, and badly needs a hitting coach.
> > >
> > > I wish I could afford to pick up Mike Epstein's videos, and compare them with what Jack M. teaches. But I've spent several thousand $$$ on equipment, books, and other aids in the past year, and my wife objects just a bit. I'll have to wait a while. The kids aren't all that much better on the diamond, but boy-oh-boy, is "Dad" getting an education.
> > >
> > > Regards.. Scott
> >
> > Wives... don't they understand that what we're doing is not spending, but rather INVESTING? I think Mikes's drills will definitely fix the swingin' and swayin' and disconnections that the young guy (cj's son) on Setpro exhibited- or, for that matter, those exhibited by Jalbert and others who have shown clips there. I think they're foundational in nature.
> > >
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> I have both Jacks tape and Epsteins and both are good. Though I personally would have to give the nod to Epsteins on the art of teaching hitting .. Both have made intensive studies and both believe in rotational mechanics with possibly a few differences of getting into that position. From postings its also apparent that both have helped alot of people become much better hitters as well as setpro info.
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> Neither set of tapes are quite what I expected as far as hitting drills are concerned but are nice to add to your hitting library.
> I hope jacks next tape is more focused on rotational hitting drills.
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> According to Epstein .. The great hitters ( rotational) all have their own natural style before the pitch ,some hands high , feet close, etc.. but when the pitch comes there is a common demoniator that all have. And that is getting into the rotational launch/torque position. Which he shows ... and also how to teach the position and things to look for ...
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> Jack does great work , lots of info. but not forgetting Epstein has been there , talked to , and learned from the best and apparently has had great success in his teachings for 20 yrs or so ...
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> I wish we could get Jack ... Epstein .. as well as Setpro ... together to listen to a discussion/debate on hitting.

Guys, of all the books I've read and Dusty Baker's is among them, the best one in my view is old reliable---Ted William's book "The Science of Hitting". My inference is that it n basic terms describes rotational hitting; it explicity states that the hitter should rotate on an axis. Although it doesn't mention things like top hand torque, if you look at the illustrations it shows what I think Jack describes on this site. Finally, Epstein, played for Williams and has testimonials to him on his website. The book keeps things imple also.
Pete