Posted by: sportsdoc7 (sportsdoc7@msn.com) on Fri Dec 7 10:30:43 2007

Torque is a force measured in foot/pounds. It is directional. One can determine the vector of torque using the "right hand" rule--that is curl the fingers of your right hand around the axis of rotation and extend the right thumb. The direction the thumb is pointing is the vector of the torque. The word "torque" is used on this site somewhat inappropriately at times. The issue is how much energy is transferred from the bat to the ball. That will determine how far the ball will carry. Energy = mass X speed. Thus the weight of the bat and the speed at which it travels directly determine the amount of energy transferred to the ball. Force is applied in a sequential manner by muscle contraction on the skeleton. The force is angular in nature (rotational) and proceed from the lower body through the upper body, arms and wrists. A stronger individual can apply more force, causing the bat to accelerate faster, thereby creating more energy. The rotation is easily seen in the Rose clips. Also, note in the Rose clips the position of the bat in the lag position. It is parallel to the plate and the hands are out front. The energy is transferred through the wrists to the bat, overcoming the inertia and causing the bat to accelerate in an angular (circular) fashion. The torque vector is through the top of Rose's head since he is a right hand hitter. Imagine wrapping your right hand around him with your fingers pointing in the direction of his rotation. Your thumb will be pointing up and that is the torque vector. The force is produced by muscles. It is transmitted through rotation of the skeleton around the spince. Coiling helps create more energy by allowing the mass to move farther creating more momentum. (Longer arc about the axis of rotation). Length of bat and the center of mass in the bat also contribute to the amount of energy trasferred to the ball. Energy = mass x speed. Rotation (fast rotation) creates more energy. The words rotation and energy are more applicable than the word "torque"