Posted by: Mark H. () on Wed Dec 11 16:18:40 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 really. Good fastpitch hitters have no problem hitting fast pitching that doesn't move. Now hitting it hard, that's less common. But a flamethrower who doesn't learn to move the ball gets run out of the game in 14U or 16U ASA A ball. Those pitchers you see people struggling with in D1 college ball or 18Gold youth ball are all making almost every pitch break besides a change up and some girls are making their change break.

Mark H.

Mark H.