Posted by: popeyem () on Fri Dec 6 15:47:17 2002

> All, regardless of size should use rotational mechanics, IMO. It is THE way to not only generate the best batspeeds but it is the way to generate the best bat quickness.

Amen; you're right; I agree, BUT

>... catching up to fast pitching is not a big issue.

I do not agree. What makes a closer (the flame throwers, Percival for instance of the Angels vs. let's say a Trevor Hoffman who relies on the change) in the majors so effective. Percival comes in and throws 100 mph fastball after fastball after fastball and maybe they "catch up" but they surely do not hit him very effectively. Or Randy Johnson - throwing heat and nothing but the heat and - - can you say CY YOUNG again or Roger Clemens in his prime - here is my gas and and oh by the way I am the strike out king.

In softball (at the best level o.k. -- just like everybody here talks about the majors not little league or high school)it's like facing nothing but closers - - they throw HARD, mid 60s from 40 feet away, and catching up is "THE ISSUE". Not many female athletes can do it; just like not too many male athletes can do it vs. the Big Unit or Rocket or Perci.

If you know the secret for catching up please share it. It's more than rotation IMO; but I do not know the answer.

Does anybody (with the exception of Bonds)?