Posted by: mb () on Fri Jan 31 15:21:44 2003

Here is a question to anyone for analysis. If we divide the hitting zone into 4 areas (inside low, inside high, outside low, outside high) does the style of hitting, either linear or rotational lend itself to being more effective in hitting a particular zone and thus creating the weakness or strengths of each hitter? I know this seems like a very wordy question but it brings a second dimension to hitting techniques which is knowing your strengths and weaknesses when you step into the batters box. Most average hitters are two zone hitters. Your above average hitters are three zone hitters and one in a million can hit all four zones. If a person would examine the hitting style of the greatest hitters is it the ability to hit all zones or the ability to reconize which zones they hit the best and concentrating on their strengths? I guess it is a two part question.
*****************************
Dave,
I would refer you to TeD Williams, "Science of Hitting" his chart clearly shows pitch location vs expected batting average. I have heard it stated that "history is made on the inside half of the plate". You see a lot of power hitters today wearing all kinds of armor on their lead arm so they can crowd the plate and not get hurt.