Posted by: johnc (jcontrada@msn.com) on Sun Jan 19 06:24:31 2003

By linear, I refer to the concept that bat speed is derived from the batters forward weight shift and extension of his hands. Batters are instructed to direct their energies in a fairly straight line back in the direction of the pitcher. Liner mechanics has promoted terms like --- "Step into the ball" --- "Transfer your weight from back to front" --- "Keep your shoulder in there" ---

Above, as you all know, is a statement made by Jack. The question that I pose to everyone is; aside from the fact that there have been many great hitters that have used the stride to generate bat speed, why does the quarterback, boxer, pitcher, all stride? Is everyone going to say that their stride has nothing to do with generating hand/arm speed?!! GIMME A BREAK! And for my money, Bonds and Sosa,both the product of AAA pitching, as well as drug enhanced physiques, don't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Ruth. Call it what you want..linear, rotational, or somewhere in between. All I know is that I've seen miles of tape re. the greatest hitters the game has seen, and one thing is for sure,the swing is initiated with the stride, including Ruth.If you all want to say.."yeh, but they weren't generating bat speed by striding..*aka..linear*, be my guest.

Always a pleasure.

John c.